3 Essential Steps in Planning a Debt-Reduction Strategy
5 MIN READ
Don’t be too quick to pay off your debt. As strange as that sounds, debt is a powerful financial tool. When used intentionally, and in the right balance with your income and assets, debt can be a key ingredient in a healthy, growing financial portfolio.
Before you start paying down your debt more aggressively, here are 3 essential steps to help you consider all the options and create a... Continue reading
COVID-19’s Impact on Spending Behavior: The Numbers Reflect Drastic Changes to our Lives
5 MIN READ
The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably changed nearly every aspect of our daily lives, which is reflected in how we spend and manage our money. In May, we surveyed adults across America about the impact of the pandemic on their personal finances. Even if they felt prepared pre-pandemic, people reported significant negative impact to their finances and many also noted pushing off major life... Continue reading
Our Guide to Mortgage Relief Programs and Refinancing During COVID-19
5 MIN READ
The COVID-19 Pandemic is creating unique challenges for us all. While we can get through it together, for many of us, shelter-in-place orders have led to mass layoffs and serious financial struggles. If that applies to you, there are ways to get help. Both the federal government and private lenders are providing mortgage relief programs to get you through this trying time.
The pandemic has also... Continue reading
Loan Comparison: What to Look for in Your Next Loan
3 MIN READ
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
How Much Money Do You Need To Buy A House?
3 MIN READ
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
3 MIN READ
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
Save or Pay Down Debt
4 MIN READ
Should you be putting money in savings or investments at the same time you're paying off a loan?
That's one of the most frequently-asked questions we get, and the answer isn't always obvious. Even if you have run up a balance on a high-rate credit card, you may hear a nagging voice in your head urging you to keep plowing money into savings for retirement, college for the kids or a new home.
The... Continue reading
You Are Not Your Setbacks: How to Recover From a Troubled Financial Past
3 MIN READ
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
How to Handle Debt
2 MIN READ
How much debt is too much? It depends. That's not the answer you wanted, perhaps, but it's the only sensible one: It depends on how easily you can repay the money and what you borrowed it for in the first place.
The stories below will help you realize whether you've taken on too much debt and, if so, how to get it under control. If you're too far in over your head, we also explain the basics of... Continue reading
Tricks to Win the Fight Against Debt
3 MIN READ
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