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Don't Invest Another Dollar Before Watching This In 2026



*Want to invest like the best? Get Mohnish’s investment playbook:*

Episode 808: In this special episode, we’re pulling together the most replayed moments from our episodes with value investors like Mohnish Pabrai, Howard Marks and Guy Spier.

Show Notes:
(0:00) Mohnish Pabrai: How to turn $10K into $1M
(3:56) Howard Marks: The S&P 500
(9:29) Guy Spier: Finite and Infinite Games
(14:47) Mohnish Pabrai: Circle the wagons
(17:58) Howard Marks: Recommended Reading
(23:03) Mohnish Pabrai: The most important thing
(27:16) Howard Marks: “When the time comes to buy, you won’t want to”
(31:17) Guy Spier: Don’t study lottery winners


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How Government Red Tape is Stopping Investors and Flippers From Rehabbing Older Homes


Growing old is never much fun—unless it’s a house, in which case, for BRRRR investors and flippers, it has traditionally been both a lot of fun and a great source of revenue. 

The good news is that America has an abundance of older homes. The bad news is that permitting red tape in many states is adding weeks to renovation projects and cutting profits.

Older Homes Equal Greater Repair Costs

Given that the median age of owner-occupied homes was 42 years old in 2024, up from 31 years old in 2005, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies puts the median age at 44—there is a potential gold mine in turning tired into inspired.

However, according to an analysis by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), which reviewed 2.8 million building permits in Arizona, securing a permit adds about 23 days to the completion timeline of a residential construction project. As flippers know, time is money, especially when you are paying carrying costs in the form of interest, taxes, and insurance for every day the project is not sold or refinanced.

“Delays and Administrative Uncertainty”

Complicating matters is that the longer a home remains unrepaired, the worse it gets and the more expensive the renovation becomes. Cosmetic rehabs that can be quickly flipped with less risk of going over budget are less likely when roofs, wiring, HVAC systems, and other systems need upgrading, requiring multiple permits.

“These costs arise not only through direct regulatory compliance expenditures, but also through delays, administrative uncertainty, and fragmented approval processes across multiple jurisdictions,” wrote researchers Glenn Farley and Chris Young in the Common Sense Institute study cited by Realtor.com.

Their work shows that even routine projects such as HVAC replacements, which require permits in more than 90% of Arizona jurisdictions, can see timelines vary from about six days to more than 23 days just to secure approval. Permit fees range from roughly $126 to almost $300, depending on locality.

Permitting Red Tape Adds Insult to Injury for Flippers and BRRRR Investors

Amidst a national housing shortage, flippers and BRRRR investors could be forgiven for thinking that municipalities would fast-track permits to get more inventory on the market. However, despite sky-high overall prices, interest rates, and gas prices, as well as a contractor shortage, that hasn’t been the case.

Many municipalities have extended the renovation timeline by adding frustrating red tape, adding insult to injury, and making flipping ever more difficult, as borne out by investors’ complaints in the BiggerPockets forums.

Reworking the MAO Formula

It also adds another hiccup to the tried-and-true maximum allowable offer (MAO) formula (ARV minus the cost of repairs multiplied by 70%) used by most flippers to calculate what they should offer on a renovation project.

James Dainard, cohost of the BiggerPockets On the Market Podcast, said on a recent podcast:

“We’ve redefined what a deal is right now. We’re seeing more volatility in the market. Because we’re going to be selling at a slower time, we want a wider margin, and because we’ve increased our margin expectations, it is harder to find a deal.” 

Dainard added that although he had increased his margin of profitability to factor in the additional costs, that rarely pans out. “We’re shooting for 40 (% as opposed to the standard 30% in the MAO formula), but we’re hitting about 20.”

Where Red Tape Hits Hardest

Permitting, like many aspects of real estate, is rarely an even playing field. Permit expeditors, who act as a go-between for contractors and local municipalities, often charge anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 to expedite the process. However, these services are usually used by larger commercial companies with deeper pockets than smaller mom-and-pop BRRRR investors and flippers.

Many U.S. cities have become a permitting bureaucratic morass, bogged down with discretionary reviews, backlogs, and project-by-project negotiations that add both time and complexity to even relatively modest renovations, according to the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP). Applying strict code enforcement, usually used in larger commercial buildings, can add 30% to the costs of smaller multifamily units of three units or more, according to FREOPP.

The formal land review process makes permitting particularly onerous in New York City and Los Angeles, pushing permit processing to around 30 weeks and hindering construction after the L.A. fires.

New York State has the oldest housing stock in the country, with a mean age of 64 years, but the cost of renovating its 50,000 “ghost” apartments exceeds the revenue those apartments could generate, so they remain vacant. 

New York landlords point to the cost of remediating lead paint, which requires compliance-related inspections and testing, putting the renovation costs at around $20,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, according to a report from Realtor.com.

What States Are Trying to Do About It

In California, state-level reforms such as AB 1308 and AB 253 aim to fast-track the permitting process when it takes over 30 days by requiring cities to post their residential permit fee schedules online and to provide estimated plan-check time frames once an application is deemed complete.

According to the Red Tape Efficiency report from regulatory intelligence firm Labrynth, published in Construction Dive, the best state for permitting efficiency is Tennessee. The ranking is based on the time it takes for states to process building permits and zoning changes, with information collated from building departments, zoning boards, and state environmental agencies. It factors in both large projects, such as data centers, and smaller residential projects. 

These are the top 10 states for permitting efficiency, according to the index:

  1. Tennessee
  2. Florida
  3. Texas
  4. Indiana
  5. Arizona
  6. North Carolina
  7. Georgia
  8. Virginia
  9. Michigan
  10. New Hampshire

Conversely, here are the bottom 10:

  1. Rhode Island
  2. Maine
  3. Vermont
  4. Maryland
  5. Massachusetts
  6. Connecticut
  7. New York
  8. New Jersey
  9. California
  10. Hawaii

Final Thoughts

This is one of the most difficult times to undertake a flip or BRRRR project due to the elevated costs previously mentioned, which are hampered by geopolitical uncertainty. For that reason, many investors are sitting the market out—which is why it is also potentially one of the best times to buy flips and BRRRR deals.

However, underwriting needs to be meticulous and conservative, including the permitting process. Don’t try to make the numbers work just because you want them to. Try to eliminate as much uncertainty as possible.

That means not borrowing or leveraging too much. It also means having your contractors locked down with bids from subcontractors on the table and putting your permit applications in early. Now is not the time to leave anything to chance.

Why Trust Matters More Than Marketing Now


Catch the Full Episode

 

Most law firms are invisible online. Not because they lack credentials, but because they have confused looking professional with being trustworthy. In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, John Jantsch sits down with Megan Hargroder, founder and CEO of Legends Legal Marketing, to dig into what actually builds client trust for solo and small law firms in a world where AI is now making referral decisions.

Hargroder shares how she niched her agency down to lawyers over 15 years ago and never looked back, and what that decision taught her about marketing focus, client relationships, and the math behind sustainable growth. The conversation covers why generic “professional” content actively hurts law firms, how Google reviews are being read (not just counted) by LLMs, and what firms can do right now to show up in AI-generated recommendations.

Whether you run a law firm, a small agency, or any service business trying to build trust online, this episode delivers actionable insight on SEO, content strategy, and the human element that no AI can manufacture for you.

Megan Hargroder is the founder and CEO of Legends Legal Marketing, an agency that works exclusively with solo and small law firms. She launched the agency in 2011 from a New Orleans studio apartment with four clients and $2,000 a month in revenue. Over 15 years, she built it into a specialized firm by going deep on one vertical and mastering what actually moves the needle for lawyers. She is the author of Trust Is the Strategy, a framework for law firm marketing in the age of AI-driven search and online reviews.

  • Niching works best when it finds you. The most durable niches come from noticing where you produce the best results, not from scanning for market gaps.
  • Polish is not trust. Generic “professional” copy on a law firm website signals nothing to potential clients and ranks for nothing in search.
  • Your homepage should tell the client’s story, not the firm’s story. If a potential client cannot see themselves in the first paragraph, you have already lost them.
  • Attorney bios that lead with credentials are missed opportunities. Vulnerability about why you chose this work and what you have experienced is what converts.
  • LLMs are reading your Google reviews, not just counting stars. Detailed, keyword-rich reviews that describe a solved problem are your most valuable AI-era content asset.
  • Google reviews are the top trust signal for local businesses. When possible, ask clients to duplicate reviews on Yelp for second-tier coverage.
  • Hyper-niche content wins in AI recommendations. Firms that publish deeply specific content on narrow practice areas are showing up where broad firms are not.
  • LinkedIn videos are currently performing well in LLM recommendation signals, an underused channel for attorneys targeting consumers rather than B2B audiences.
  • Claiming and completing directory profiles (Avvo, Super Lawyers, BBB) once a week compounds over time and costs nothing but consistency.
  • Guest podcast appearances are high-authority backlinks, shareable content, and trusted signals. One of the highest-ROI tactics available to any small business owner.

[00:01] John opens with the central tension: is professional polish actually a liability in the age of AI recommendations?

[01:37] Megan explains the 80/20 math behind her decision to niche exclusively into law firms.

[04:20] The “professional obituary” problem and why law firm bios fail.

[06:37] How to build trust through storytelling: the homepage tells the client’s story, the bio tells the attorney’s.

[09:01] Why Google review quality (not quantity) is the single biggest trust-builder for local businesses right now.

[12:44] What Legends Legal is doing and testing to get law firms recommended by LLMs.

[15:14] What separates firms that grow steadily from ones that plateau, and the cautionary tale of the traffic ticket lawyer.

[17:47] Megan’s top weekly activity for compounding visibility: claim one directory profile.

[18:13] John’s top tactic: guesting on podcasts for backlinks, content, and trust signals.

“Polish is part of the mask they wear, and all it translates to is generic content, generic messaging. It is not making anyone love you.” — Megan Hargroder

“Your homepage should not be your story. It should be their story. If I am facing chapter seven bankruptcy, that is the story the homepage should tell.” — Megan Hargroder

“LLMs are reading reviews. They are not just quantifying the five stars. They are looking for a detailed example of a problem that was solved.” — Megan Hargroder

“Once I felt like I cracked the code on that, I just went all in with lawyers and never looked back.” — Megan Hargroder

“The riskiest thing a lawyer can do right now is keep playing it safe.” — John Jantsch

Amazon Prime Day 2026 Dates Announced, Early Deals Available Now


Amazon Prime Day 2026 Dates Announced

Amazon’s annual Prime Day event returns June 23–26, bringing millions of deals to Prime members across more than 35 categories—including clothing, beauty, kitchen, home, and electronics. The four-day shopping event kicks off at 12:01 a.m. PDT on June 23, with deals available on the Prime page and the Amazon Shopping app.

Members can save on top brands, trending products, and items exclusive to Amazon, plus fresh groceries, summer essentials, and back-to-school must-haves—all with fast, free delivery.

What early deals are available before Prime Day?

Members don’t have to wait for the event to start saving. Early Prime Day deals are available now across categories including:

  • Shop with Points: Up to 50% off when you use Amex Membership Rewards
  • Shop with Points: Up to 50% off when you use Amex Cash Back
  • Shop with Points: Up to 40% off when you use Discover Cash Back
  • Amazon devices: Prime members save up to 60% off devices enabled with Alexa+, like the Echo Dot MaxEcho Show 11, and Echo Show 8+ Carrera Smart Glasses bundle. Save up to 65% off select devices across Kindle, Ring, Echo, Fire TV, Blink, and eero—including the Kindle Colorsoft Essentials bundleRing Battery Doorbell Plus, and Blink Outdoor 4 bundle.
  • Groceries: Free Same-Day Delivery on orders over $25 in most areas, plus exclusive savings at Whole Foods Market, including an extra 10% off sale items for Prime members.
  • Amazon Haul: Deals as low as $1. Discover deals across categories, including crafting essentials from $1, tech and gadgets from $3, fashion finds under $5, home refresh under $6, and 50% off kids’ favorites.
  • Books and Audible: Up to 45% off Kindle Device bundles, up to 65% off print books, up to 80% off top Kindle titles, and three months free of Kindle Unlimited and Audible. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Prime Video: Up to 50% off select rentals and purchases, plus subscriptions starting at $0.99 per month.
  • Travel: Up to 30% off base rates with Avis and Budget, plus 10% off select Chicago hotels.
  • Prime Visa and Prime Store Card: Get a $200 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval for Prime Visa (June 11–July 9) or $120 for Prime Store Card (June 23–26). Earn 10% back or more on exclusive deals, plus unlimited 5% back year-round at Amazon.com, Whole Foods Market, and more—with no annual fees. During Prime Day, cardmembers can also earn 7% back on eligible Amazon.com purchases (June 23-26) when they choose No-Rush Delivery. Terms apply.
Check out a full breakdown of the best early Prime Day deals.

What are Prime limited-time offers?

Limited-time offers give customers even more ways to save big starting now—with new ones dropping before the event:

  • Free Groceries for a Year sweepstakes: Customers who spend $15 or more on a qualifying online grocery order on Amazon have a chance to win free groceries for a year—$1 million in total prizes across 100 winners. Winners announced weekly leading up to Prime Day. Learn more and see terms, including a free way to enter, at the Amazon grocery sweepstakes page.
  • Alexa for Shopping picks up the tab: Set up a deal alert with Alexa for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card—100 winners will be selected by Prime Day. Learn more and see terms, including a free way to enter, at the Alexa sweepstakes page.
  • Spider-Man: Brand New Day early screening: Prime members can enjoy exclusive early screenings of Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 29 in select theaters—two days ahead of its wide release in the U.S. Visit the custom Amazon landing page to explore exclusive Spider-Man branded products and sign up for the early screening ticket notifications.
  • Little Caesars $5 pizza: Between June 15 and 26, Prime members can score a $5 classic large pepperoni or cheese pizza, redeemable up to five times on different days for savings of up to $30 depending on location. Order at the Amazon Little Caesars page.

Delta Air Lines vs. United Airlines: Which Industrials Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?


The airline industry remains a battlefield of high fixed costs and intense competition, making the choice between the two largest carriers a critical decision for diversified investors. Which company offers the better balance of value and growth?

Delta Air Lines (DAL 1.78%) and United Airlines (UAL 2.63%) are the titans of the skies, often moving in tandem but following distinct financial flight paths. Delta focuses on a premium passenger experience and high-margin credit card revenue, while United bets big on global expansion and hub dominance.

The case for Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines operates as a premier global carrier serving more than 200 million customers annually. It differentiates itself through a focus on high-margin revenue streams, specifically its partnership with American Express. This relationship brought in nearly $8.2 billion during 2025 and serves as a critical buffer against the inherent volatility of fuel prices. By targeting the premium segment, Delta aims to capture travelers willing to pay more for reliability and comfort.

The company is a significant player among industrial stocks that rely on steady consumer demand and business travel. In FY 2025, revenue reached approximately $63.4 billion, representing growth of roughly 2.8% over the previous year. Net income for the period was close to $5.0 billion, resulting in a net margin of nearly 7.9%, up from 5.6% in 2024.

As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 1.0x, which measures total debt relative to shareholders’ equity. The current ratio, which gauges the ability to cover short-term debts with short-term assets, is roughly 0.4x. Free cash flow, defined as cash from operations minus capital expenditures, reached nearly $3.8 billion, providing the company with the liquidity needed to modernize its fleet and reward investors.

The case for United Airlines

United Airlines operates an expansive global network, helping roughly 175 million customers reach over 370 destinations across six continents. Its business strategy centers on hub dominance in major markets like Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco. A key pillar of its loyalty strategy is a partnership with JPMorgan Chase (JPM +1.60%), which helps drive consistent engagement and high-margin credit card revenue from its MileagePlus program.

The carrier has focused heavily on international expansion, positioning itself as a leader in long-haul travel. In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $59.1 billion, up approximately 3.5% from the previous fiscal year. Net income for the year was roughly $3.4 billion, resulting in a net margin of close to 5.7%, which shows a steady improvement over the 4.9% margin recorded in 2023.

As of the December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 2.0x, indicating total debt is twice shareholder equity. The current ratio, which measures how well the company covers short-term liabilities with short-term assets, stands at roughly 0.6x. Free cash flow reached nearly $2.6 billion for the year, which represents cash from operations after subtracting capital spending on new aircraft and engine upgrades.

Risk profile comparison

Delta faces significant risks from technology disruptions and cybersecurity threats. The company cited a major 2024 outage caused by CrowdStrike (CRWD 1.67%) as a reminder of its dependence on complex IT systems. It also faces intense competition from American Airlines (AAL 2.89%) and Southwest Airlines (LUV 0.98%), which can pressure ticket prices and affect overall profitability. Additionally, fluctuations in fuel prices and evolving environmental regulations could significantly increase its long-term operating costs.

United is particularly vulnerable to infrastructure constraints and air traffic control staffing shortages. These issues can lead to operational delays and increased costs at major hubs like Newark and Chicago. The company also faces rising costs from environmental mandates and the need to invest in sustainable aviation fuel. Like its peers, United must navigate intense competition from international carriers that may receive state subsidies, potentially impacting its market share in key global regions.

Valuation comparison

United currently looks cheaper than Delta based on its forward P/E and its P/S ratio, though Delta offers higher net margins.

Metric Delta Air Lines United Airlines Sector Benchmark
Forward P/E 14.9x 12.4x 30.1x
P/S ratio 0.8x 0.6x n/a

Sector benchmark uses the SPDR XLI sector ETF.
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

Which stock would I buy in 2026?

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are both major airlines with several hubs in the U.S. and serve over 300 airports. They offer different opportunities to investors, though. One appears to offer better growth at a lower valuation, and the other is known for its consistent performance. Here are a few considerations for making that decision.

In recent years, United Airlines has been focusing on its growth. It is undertaking a huge expansion, with new aircraft and more international destinations. Its profitability and revenue growth have been impressive. However, its shares trade at a lower valuation than Delta’s. This may indicate strong future earnings potential for investors who think the expansion will pay off.

Delta Air Lines has targeted business and higher-income travelers by focusing on premium seating and luxurious lounges. It is also partnering with American Express. This approach has earned customer loyalty over the years, and it is viewed as one of the most reliable airline stocks.

It’s not an easy choice, because I tend to favor reliable, conservative investments. But it’s hard to ignore the potential upsi United Airlines offers, with its low valuation and ambitious expansion plans already in progress. So, I would fly United on this trip, because the company’s growth, valuation, and optimism make it a more compelling opportunity.

Mortgage Rates Back on the Move Higher as U.S.-Iran Talks Stall


After what was a decent week for mortgage rates, in which they fell back closer to 6.50%, they appear to be on the rise again.

The latest driver (surprise, surprise) is tensions in the Middle East and higher oil prices as a result.

That pushed 10-bond yields back up about five basis points today, which will translate to higher 30-year fixed mortgage rates as well.

This type of volatility is to be expected, especially as both sides seem unwilling to budge or make any major concessions.

The bigger question is how long the impasse may last, and how high mortgage rates will go in the process.

More Uncertainty in Middle East Leads to Higher Mortgage Rates

It wasn’t a good weekend for tensions in the Middle East.

There have been reports of both the U.S. and Iran exchanging fire with one another.

And continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which has caused Iran to suspend talks with the U.S.

It doesn’t bode well for the ongoing ceasefire, nor an end to the conflict that would rather crucially lead to a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

As I’ve laid out in the past, it’s what has pushed mortgage rates up about 0.75% since the end of February.

Absent this conflict, it’s hard to picture a 30-year fixed mortgage rate well above 6% today.

Not much else has really changed since that time, so as I’ve said before, it’s a very clear issue with a clear solution.

But at this point even the clear solution (opening the Strait) would take time to implement, and it wouldn’t be without its impact.

Oil prices could stay elevated even after a reopening, meaning consumers will continue to face higher gas prices.

In addition, higher input costs on just everything else could lead to another bout of inflation as businesses pass costs on down the line.

Simply put, bonds and mortgage-backed securities (MBS) don’t like inflation, so yields (interest rates) rise to compensate.

Another Leg Up for Mortgage Rates Coming?

I posted this chart last week showing mortgage rates rising the past few months, seemingly hitting higher highs.

So despite the usual ebb and flow, and pullbacks after rises, they appear to be moving higher as the year goes on.

They touched roughly 6.75% at their worst (so far) in mid-May before falling back toward 6.50% last week.

Assuming this Iran-U.S. impasse continues, which seems pretty likely, the next leg up could be 6.875% or even 7%.

Since things got underway, my target for the 30-year fixed has been around 7%, though I said just “kissing” 7%.

In other words, there’s a bit of a lid on mortgage rates because most see this energy crisis as temporary, as they have been in the past.

And with most other stuff, whether it’s labor or mortgage spreads relatively intact, it’s pretty much just this issue that’s a potential mover.

That might mean the range for mortgage rates is somewhat tight here, even if there continues to be upward pressure.

Maybe that’s the silver lining if there is one.

Colin Robertson
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Victoria’s Secret CEO rejected ‘woke-washing’ and endless sales cycles—and it’s paying off



One year ago, Victoria’s Secret was in free fall.

Since spinning off from L Brands (now Bath & Body Works) in 2021, the stock had cratered from $57 to barely $20 a share on a good day. Once the arbiter of all things sexy, with diamond-encrusted bras and winged angels, Victoria’s Secret’s brand was being buried under all things unsexy: the founder’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, an awkward marketing pivot seen as “woke-washing,” tariffs, and a board that couldn’t stop fighting. An activist investor was beginning to encircle the board, questioning, among other things, whether the new CEO, Hillary Super, could handle running a public company.

On Tuesday, with nine days to go before shareholders voted on that board, Super delivered the verdict in its first-quarter earnings: $0.60 per share, nearly double what Wall Street expected.  Net sales jumped 15% to $1.56 billion, topping guidance, and the company raised its full-year outlook by $120 million, well above street estimates.

Then the stock nearly doubled its share price, hitting an all-time high of $80 per share. 

What was Super’s secret? She had to bring sexy back to everything, even the ticker, which is no longer VSCO but VSXY (“a marker of who we are today,” she wrote in an announcement). 

Balancing between risque and woke

Every brand has had to keep up with the culture. But few have had the times come after them quite like Victoria’s Secret.

Rigid beauty standards defined Victoria’s Secret in the peak of its mid-aughts glory, with girls watching rows of extra-small, tanned models at the annual fashion show. But as millennials came of age and embraced a new era of body positivity, Victoria’s Secret struggled to rebrand. Their attempts—including a splashy rollout of accomplished celebrity women advisors meant to promote female empowerment—were too on-the-nose, widely dismissed as “woke-washing.” They failed to win back the shoppers who had left, and didn’t attract younger ones either.

Super has said that some of those decisions were made out of fear. “That natural human reaction is to want to stay out of controversy,” she says. Victoria’s Secret was so cautious, it stopped bragging altogether—even about being a go-to destination for bra fittings. 

Super’s fix wasn’t to swing back to a narrow template of beauty. It was to be authentic. Under her guidance, the company has embraced its heritage—the glamour and spectacle—without the body-shaming. There is still a focus on diversity, but “without being performative, where we have to check every box,” she told Fortune earlier this year, “because to me that lacks authenticity.”

The results are now showing up in the numbers. The company delivered its fourth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales, with Super citing double-digit growth in new customer acquisition—Gen-Z is buying bras! —and a move toward getting shoppers to pay full price rather than waiting for a markdown, which Super called a “promo-detox” on the earnings call.

“We are reducing promotions and markdowns and replacing promotional offers with compelling emotional messaging,” Super said. “The result is a healthier, more brand-led business.”

CFO Scott Sekella attributed the performance to “higher regular-price selling, reduced promotions, and leveraging buying and occupancy expenses, all despite tariff headwinds.”

The company also raised its full-year adjusted operating income guidance by more than $100 million, now projecting $550 million to $580 million, citing better-than-expected sales and lower tariff rates following court rulings against President Trump’s sweeping duties.

Goldman Sachs analyst Brooke Roach called it “a very strong result,” adding that the bank was “encouraged by the solid top-line performance with strength across all channels including North America stores, Direct, and International.”

The momentum traces back to a pivotal moment last October, when Super unveiled her vision at the brand’s 2025 fashion show. The show opened with model Jasmine Tookes, ethereal in gold wings, cradling her nine-month-pregnant belly, among longtime Angels like Adriana Lima and WNBA star Angel Reese. The message was unmistakable: same wings, different world. 

Super, a former CEO of Anthropologie and Savage X Fenty who rose through retail ranks from Wet Seal to American Eagle, is the first female CEO of the new public company. “It’s hard to have an intuition about a category that you cannot put on your body,” she says.

On the earnings call Tuesday, Super noted that her executive team has now been together for roughly a year. “Once you hit that year, you start compounding your contributions,” she said. “We are early innings.

The turnaround still faces headwinds. Victoria’s Secret sources and manufactures across several countries, including Vietnam and Sri Lanka, and faces a $90 million net tariff impact. And Super has been locked in a battle with activist investors who circled while the stock was down, with one directly objecting to her leadership, arguing she had limited public-company experience. Tuesday’s blowout quarter may be her most effective rebuttal yet.

She has otherwise shrugged off the pressure: “You have to remember that none of these things are personal, that it’s business,” she says.

Best Student Loan Rates for June 2, 2026: Abe Leads At 2.54%


Student loan rates have held steady while lenders have positioned themselves with their low headline rates leading into peak student loan season. As of June 2, 2026, private student loan lenders are offering fixed rates as low as 2.54% APR and variable rates starting as low as 3.03% APR, depending on credit profile, degree program, and repayment term.

Abe℠ Student Loans currently offers the lowest fixed rate loan available. Student Choice is currently offering the lowest variable rate student loan available.

While federal student loan rates are set annually by Congress, private lenders continue to adjust based on market conditions and Treasury yields. Staying current on these changes can save borrowers hundreds (or even thousands) over the life of a loan.

💰 Today’s Best Student Loan Rates At a Glance

Here are the best private student loan rates today:

Lender

Fixed APR

Variable APR

Cosigner Required?

Abe Student Loans

2.54% – 17.02%

3.53% – 17.14%

No

Ascent

2.69% – 16.86%

3.65% – 16.06%

No

College Ave

2.59% – 17.99%

3.89% – 17.99%

Yes

Sallie Mae

2.89% – 17.49%

3.62% – 16.25%

No

Student Choice

2.99% – 14.74%

3.03% – 15.00%

Optional

1. Abe Student LoansAbe offers private student loans to a undergraduate, graduate, and post-bachelor graduate certificate students, with flexible repayment options and no origination, late payment, or forbearance fees. Rates start as low as 2.54% APR. Read our full Abe Student Loans review.

2. Ascent – Ascent Student Loans is a solid choice as a private lender – as they offer both cosigner and non-cosigner loans for undergraduate and graduate students. Rates start as low as 2.69% APR. Read our full Ascent Student Loans Review.

3. College Ave – College Ave Student Loans offers some of the lowest fixed rates on student loans on the market today. They are one of the largest private student loan lenders, and have highly competitive rates on their loans. Rates start as low as 2.59% APR. Read our full College Ave Student Loans review.

4. Sallie Mae – Sallie Mae is probably one of the most well-known lenders on this list. They are the nation’s largest private student loan lender by loan volume. As a result, they also offer some of the most competitive private student loans and parent loans out there. Rates start as low as 2.89% APR. Read our full Sallie Mae review.

5. Student Choice Student Choice is a service that works with a huge network of credit unions nationwide to match you with low cost student loans offered by credit unions. They currently have some of the lowest variable rate student loans on the market. Rates start as low as 2.99% APR for fixed rates and 3.03% APR for variable rate loans. Read our full Student Choice Student Loans review.

Federal Loans: Remember, the federal student loan interest rates are fixed. They won’t change again until the next academic year.

  • Undergraduate Direct: 6.39%
  • Graduate Direct: 7.94%
  • Parent PLUS Loans: 8.94%

You can find a full list of the best private student loans here >>

Fixed vs. Variable Rates: Which Should You Choose?

There’s a lot of uncertainty that borrowers don’t like with variable rates, which can make sense, but in a declining rate environment, it also opens the potential for future savings. Here’s what to know:

  • Fixed rates stay the same for the life of the loan, offering predictable monthly payments. They’re better for borrowers who plan to repay over many years.
  • Variable rates can change with market conditions, starting lower but carrying risk if the Fed raises rates again. They can make sense for borrowers who expect to pay off loans quickly.

Most private lenders allow you to check rates without affecting your credit score. Always compare both options before signing.

What To Know Before Borrowing

Before taking out a private student loan, make sure you understand exactly what you’re signing up for.

  • Cosigner rules: Most undergraduates need a cosigner – which is someone (usually a parent) that is just as legally responsible for the loan. Check for early cosigner release after consistent on-time payments.
  • Repayment flexibility: Look for lenders offering in-school deferment, interest-only options, or income-based repayment.
  • Discounts: Many lenders provide 0.25% off for autopay.
  • Fees: Compared to federal loans, private loans offer fewer fees – including no origination fees.
  • Safety: Federal loans offer loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans. Exhaust federal options before turning to private loans.

For most families, borrowing federal student loans first makes the most sense. However, for parents looking at parent PLUS vs. private loans, private loans can make more sense.

How We Track And Verify Student Loan Rates

At The College Investor, our editorial team reviews student loan rates daily from more than a dozen major lenders. We verify data using official lender disclosures, regulatory filings, and real-time rate sheets.

We only include lenders offering loans to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. All rates are updated regularly and represent the lowest available APRs with autopay discounts applied.

Our coverage is independent and not influenced by compensation. While we may earn a referral fee when you open a loan through certain links, this never affects our editorial recommendations. Our goal is simple: to help you find the most affordable path to borrow responsibly.

FAQs

How often do private student loan rates change?

Lenders can adjust daily based on bond market movements and Federal Reserve actions, as well as their own competitive goals.

Are private student loans fixed or variable?

You can choose either. Fixed rates offer stability, while variable rates change with the market.

Do private student loans qualify for forgiveness?

No. Only federal student loans are eligible for forgiveness programs like PSLF or IBR.

Is a cosigner always required?

Not always, but most undergraduate borrowers will need one to qualify.

Can I refinance later if rates drop?

Yes. Refinancing can reduce your rate and monthly payment, though you’ll lose federal benefits if you refinance federal loans.

Disclosures


Abe Student Loans


Before applying for a private student loan, DR Bank and Monogram LLC recommend exhausting all financial aid alternatives including grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.

The AbeSM student loan is made by DR Bank, Member FDIC (“Lender”). All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to Lender’s underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions and other terms and conditions apply. LENDER AND MONOGRAM LLC EACH RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. TERMS, CONDITIONS AND RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

* In order to estimate your available rates and loan options, with your authorization, DR Bank will initiate a soft credit inquiry. Soft credit inquiries do not affect your credit. Any rates and loan options offered to you are estimates only.

1Interest rates and APRs (Annual Percentage Rates): Interest rates and APRs (Annual Percentage Rates) depend upon (1) the student’s and cosigner’s (if applicable) credit histories, (2) the repayment option and repayment term selected, (3) the expected number of years in deferment, (4) the requested loan amount and (5) other information provided on the online loan application Rates and terms are effective as of 06/01/2026. The variable interest rate for each calendar month is calculated by adding the 30-Day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index plus a fixed margin assigned to each loan. The current SOFR index, published on the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, is 3.625% as of 06/01/2026. The applicable index or margin for variable rate loans may change over time and result in a different APR than shown. The fixed rate assigned to a loan will never change except as required by law or if you request and qualify for an interest rate discount, or receive In-School Default Protection (see footnote 3). APRs displayed as a range: APRs assume a $10,000 loan with one disbursement. The low APRs assume a 7-year term, and the Interest-Only Repayment option with payments beginning 30-60 days after the disbursement via auto pay (see footnote 2). The high APRs assume a 7-year term with the Fully Deferred Repayment option, a seven-month deferment period, and a six-month grace period before entering repayment.

2Autopay Discount: Earn a 0.25% interest rate reduction for making automatic payments from a bank account (“auto pay discount”) by completing the direct debit form accessible on the Servicer’s website. The auto pay discount is in addition to other discounts. The auto pay discount will be applied after the Servicer validates your bank account information. Automatic payments and the associated discount will be temporarily discontinued (1) if you elect to stop automatic deduction of payments and (2) during periods when you are not required to make payments. The discount will be permanently discontinued in the event three automatic deductions are returned by the financial institution for any reason.

3 In-school Default Protection: Interest Only or Flat Payment Repayment loans that reach at least 90 days delinquent during an in-school deferment period will automatically transition to the Full Deferment Repayment option. Under these circumstances, the interest rate on an original Interest Only loan will increase by one percentage point (1.00%) and the interest rate on an original Flat Payment Repayment loan will increase by one quarter of one percentage point (0.25%). Credit reporting prior to the transition of a loan to the Full Deferment Repayment option will remain on your record. Any unpaid accrued interest at the end of an in-school deferment period may be capitalized in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

4 Loan Amounts: The minimum loan amount is $1,000, except for (a) student applicants who are permanent residents of Iowa in which case the minimum loan amount is $1,001, and (b) student applicants or cosigners who are permanent residents of Massachusetts in which case the minimum loan amount is $6,001. The maximum loan amount to cover in-school expenses for each academic year is determined by the school’s cost of attendance, minus other financial aid, as certified by the school The requested loan amount cannot cause an individual applicant’s aggregate student loan debt (which includes federal and private student loans) to exceed $300,000 per applicant applying for an undergraduate loan, $350,000 per applicant applying for a graduate, graduate certificate, Healthcare Professionals, Law or MBA loan, or $500,000 per applicant applying for a Medical or Dental loan.

5 Loan Terms: The 15- and 20- year term and Flat Payment Repayment option (paying $25 per month during in-school deferment) are only available for loan amounts of $5,000 or more. Making interest only or flat interest payments during deferment will not reduce the principal balance of the loan. Payment examples (all assume a 14-month deferment period, a six-month grace period before entering repayment, no auto pay discount, and the Interest Only Repayment option): 5-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with a 5-year repayment term (60 months) and a 11.30% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $218.92. 7-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with a 7-year repayment term (84 months) and a 8.50% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $158.36. 10-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with a 10-year repayment term (120 months) and a 8.35% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $123.18. 15-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with, a 15-year repayment term (180 months) and a 8.30% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $97.31. 20-year term: $10,000 loan, one disbursement, with, a 20-year repayment term (240 months) and an 10.83% APR would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $99.03.

6 The student borrower has meet certain credit and other criteria, and 12 consecutive monthly principal and interest payments or lump sum payments equal to 12 monthly principal and interest payments must have been received by the Servicer during any 12-month period. While a loan is in a reduced repayment plan or while a request for a reduced payment plan is pending, borrowers are not eligible to apply for cosigner release.

7 The grace period is six months. The grace period begins on the earlier of the date (a) the student borrower graduates, (b) the student borrower ceases to be enrolled, or (c) that is 60 months from the first disbursement date, but in no case, earlier than six months after the first disbursement date. The immediate repayment option does not have a grace period.

Ascent Student Loans

*Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent’s Terms and Conditions please visit AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs.

Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed are effective as of 06/01/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount (ACH). The ACH discount consists of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 6/1/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions, and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time.

The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. Ascent applicants and borrowers that agree to the AscentUP Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, as well as students associated with an Ascent parent loan application, have access to the AscentUP platform.

The following examples for a $10,000 loan show a 48-month in-school period plus 9 months of grace prior to a full repayment term for 60-months (variable rate), with examples of (i) Interest Only payments, (ii) $25 Minimum payments, (iii) Deferred repayment, and (iv) Immediate Repayment options.
* Interest Only Repayment: 5.90% APR, with 57 payments of $49.17 while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $192.88 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $14,376.53.
* $25 Minimum Payment: 6.53% APR, with 57 payments of $25.00 while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $234.12 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $15,471.73.
* Deferred Repayment: 6.71% APR, with no payment while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $270.31 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $16,181.14.
* Immediate Repayment: 3.65% APR, with 60 payments of $182.6, and a total cost of $10,955.77.
The following examples for a $10,000 loan show a 48-month in-school period plus 9 months of grace prior to a full repayment term for 180-months (highest variable rate), with examples of (i) Interest Only payments, (ii) $25 Minimum payments, (iii) Deferred repayment, and (iv) Immediate Repayment options.
* Interest Only Repayment: 16.06% APR, with 57 payments of $133.75 while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $147.26 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $34,130.81.
* $25 Minimum Payment: 14.46% APR, with 57 payments of $25.00 while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $242.08 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $44,997.01.
* Deferred Repayment: 14.89% APR, with no payment while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $281.22 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $49,857.65.
* Immediate Repayment: 15.81% APR, with 180 payments of $145.54, and a total cost of $26,193.91.

Sallie Mae Student Loans

¹Rates displayed are for undergraduate and career training students:

Lowest rates shown include the auto debit discount: Additional information regarding the auto debit discount: Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan to a student who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae-serviced loans. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. *These rates will be effective 5/26/2026.

Terms:

Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.28% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $182.67 and one payment of $121.71, for a Total Loan Cost of $23,134.44. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $132.53 and one payment of $40.35 for a total loan cost of $24,438.22. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years.

² For applications submitted directly to Sallie Mae, loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Applications submitted to Sallie Mae through a partner website may be subjected to a lower maximum loan request amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time.

Editor: Colin Graves

Reviewed by: Richelle Hawley

The post Best Student Loan Rates for June 2, 2026: Abe Leads At 2.54% appeared first on The College Investor.

[750 Points For Existing Users] Marriott Dining: Earn Up To 6,000 Bonus Points (Eat Around Town)


Update 6/1/26: New member bonus below is still active. Existing users can also get 750 points per dine when they spend $75+ through June 30, 2026. 

The Offer

Direct link to offer

  • Marriott Dining is offering new members a bonus of up to 6,000 points. Bonus is broken down as follows (must be completed within 60 days of account opening):
    • 1,000 bonus points the first time you spend $30 or more
    • 2,000 bonus points the second time you spend $30 or more
    • 3,000 bonus points the third time you spend $30 or more

The Fine Print

  • This bonus offer is open to all new Eat Around Town by Marriott Bonvoy™ members who have not yet created an account and linked a credit and/or debit card. To qualify for and earn this New Member Bonus, you must (i) create a web login and link a valid credit and/or debit card to your account by July 31, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, (ii) spend at least $30 (including tax and tip) in one dine at any participating restaurant, bar, or club within 60 days of joining the Eat Around Town program, (iii) pay the check with a credit and/or debit card linked to your Eat Around Town program account, (iv) remain opted in to receive emails from the Eat Around Town program during the duration of the promotional campaign with a valid, deliverable email address, and (v) complete an online review of the restaurant, bar, or club within 30 days of your visit.
  • You may earn this New Member Bonus for a maximum amount of 6,000 bonus points during the promotion period as follows: 1,000 bonus points on the first participating restaurant visit, 2,000 on the second participating visit, and 3,000 bonus points on the third participating restaurant visit, all within 60 days of creating a dining profile. Limit one bonus-qualifying visit per restaurant per day.

Our Verdict

This runs on Rewards Network, so won’t stack with other Rewards Network programs but will stack with other card linked programs. The Eat Around Town program was launched in 2019, I’m not sure if we have ever seen an increased bonus for signing up.

Hat tip to DDG