u/Key_Most_9974

Have a friend who several years ago engaged in some criminal activity that wasn't Felony level but were pretty serious misdemeanors and has several convictions from them. No theft but primarily domestic related including breaking and entering and assaults. Friend suffered a severe manic episode due to some misdiagnosed mental health issues they never knew they had. Long story short, friend is medicated and has been doing great for 5-6 years, never had a criminal history of any type prior and not since. Though the charges were not related to their career field directly, they obviously don't look great in a background check and they have ample explanation for them but it doesn't always turn out well. Friend has 20+ years in a professional field with several certifications and accolades fwiw.

They have had several jobs since these criminal charges but are running into some walls trying to move to their next position, having a few companies deny them after making an offer and realizing the previous convictions. So the question I have is, what time is best to disclose this background information to the recruiter? I can see arguments ranging anywhere from "Upon first phone call about the job" all the way to "When an offer is made and a background check is conducted". Is it ALWAYS better to disclose before the check is initiated or can it be advantageous to simply wait until its discovered or not, during the background? As a recruiter I would imagine the answer is generally "ASAP" but realistically is that always the best case?

Short version is a family of 4 is visiting southern europe for 2 weeks and upon our return through CDG, 16 year old daughter would like to stay an extra week in Paris before returning home to the USA. She will have accommodations staying with a family member about 1 hr train ride outside Paris but she will otherwise be solo for most of the trip, including any trips into Paris and back. She was in Paris last year for about a week with family but she has never traveled solo before. This will have been our 3rd trip to Europe in the last few years so she is not new to traveling abroad.

She is very mature and has a great head on her shoulders and can handle getting around just fine but obviously there are safety concerns with just being a solo female at that age. I would love for her to have this opportunity to explore Paris on her own and visit places she has not in the past but I want to be smart in this choice. Any advice on what I should be considering or thoughts on ways to keep her safe while abroad beyond standard measures (i.e. avoid scammers, walking late at night, normal big-city things, etc..)

Anyone with personal experience either traveling at a young age solo (younger than 18) or have experience with their own teenaged children traveling solo?

Our current mortgage company is offering i believe an FHA backed 3/1 ARM at 4.75% if we refi our current 6% loan. Cost of loan is around $525k but we paid about $9k in MIP and will have to pay another 1.75% of the new loan in MIP as well. I can't help thinking i'm flushing another $9k down the drain. Is this deal reasonable or am i clearly missing some red flags.

Payment will drop about $400 per month which is nice but it will take 2 years to recoup the new MIP i'm paying. Thoughts?