How Much Money Do You Need To Buy A House?
You’ve been diligently saving, and that savings account you’ve amassed looks pretty healthy. Now you’re ready to take the plunge and buy your own home. But have you considered all the items you’re going to need cash for between now and closing the deal? Are you sure you have enough?
Earnest Money Deposit
Earnest money is pretty much what it sounds like — cash placed on the table at the... Continue reading
Loan Comparison: What to Look for When Buying Your First House
Date: February 2, 2017
Home loans might seem intimidating to new borrowers because they require more than just pinning down the interest rate or determining what your monthly payment will be. However, choosing a home loan is really just a matter of knowing what you’re paying for and comparing what each lender is willing to offer. Then you can determine who’s offering you the best deal. Continue reading
Loan Comparison: What to Look for in Your Next Loan
Getting the best loan for your needs means understanding all the terms before signing on the dotted line. This includes knowing the difference between a secured and unsecured loan, as well as how interest rates, fees and loan periods can affect the monthly payment. Continue reading
New Year Financial Resolution: Pay Down Debt
Paying down debt can be a life-altering New Year's resolution -- if you actually carry it out. Often, best intentions are not enough. To successfully reduce your debt levels, you can employ tools and strategies to make the job easier. The rewards for paying down debt include more money for discretionary spending or saving, improved credit scores and an ego-boosting sense of accomplishment.
Begin... Continue reading
You Are Not Your Setbacks: How to Recover From a Troubled Financial Past
Life is unpredictable. Financial setbacks can befall anyone, but with hard work, planning and discipline, recovery is possible and often achieved. Along the way to recovery, you might develop different attitudes and goals -- ones that lead to happiness and fulfillment in unexpected ways.
A Budget Is Your Buddy
Your first step to financial recovery should be to take stock of your situation and... Continue reading
Tricks to Win the Fight Against Debt
No matter how you acquired the debt, you can't go back and change the past. But, you can implement a plan to win the debt reduction war and start spending your money the way you want, rather than scraping by to pay off your old creditors. It may be a long fight, but with a plan you can start by winning the small battles that will help you turn the tide and declare your financial freedom.
Know... Continue reading
How to Stay Debt-Free
Stick to Your Budget
Once you've gotten out of debt, it may be tempting to start splurging. However, that could start you back on the road to more debt. According to Clare Levison, CPA and author of "Frugal Isn't Cheap: Spend Less, Save More, and Live Better," "To stay debt-free, you need to embrace the mentality that frugal isn't cheap -- it's smart. Being frugal means taking pride in using... Continue reading
Budgeting 101: How to Pay Off Old Debt
Whatever the source of your old debt -- old student loans, past due credit cards or something else -- it can feel like a millstone hanging around your neck, especially if debt collectors are hassling you. However, don't let the fear or uncertainty get the best of you. According to Eric Roberge, a certified financial planner in Boston who works with young professionals across the country, "The... Continue reading
3 Budget Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt
3 Budget Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt
If you have credit card debt you're trying to pay off, you're not alone. As of the start of 2013, Bankrate.com reports that Americans had more than $600 million of credit card debt. "Paying off debt can be a long, tedious process and leave you feeling a bit deprived and sometimes like it will never be over," says Erin Baehr, a certified financial... Continue reading
Personal Finance Turnaround: Debt Management Resources
Personal Finance Turnaround: Debt Management Resources
The most courageous step you can take to improving your financial health is admitting that you need assistance with managing debt. According to Certified Consumer Credit Counselor Natasha Wyckoff, "One of the positive aspects of a fluctuating economy is that you and other consumers have similar challenges." In other words, you are not alone... Continue reading
