A noticeable interest in homeownership, especially among millennials, is on the rise. When interest rates are low, people planning to stay in one area for a long time and having good credit scores often think about buying a home instead of renting. Remember the Additional Costs Before Buying Your budget should include extra expenses like…
Saving money can be tough, especially when funds are limited, but the benefits over time are clear. Having a financial cushion can help you navigate economic downturns or unexpected emergencies. Let’s dive into some strategies to boost your savings and achieve your financial goals. Why is a savings strategy so important? Here are a few…
A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, lets homeowners borrow money against the equity in their homes. This is like taking out a second mortgage while your original mortgage stays in place. Trying to decide between a HELOC and a Home Equity Loan? Here’s a breakdown of each to help you choose. A Home…
When planning a budget for taking care of pets, most people think about regular expenses like food and vet checkups. However, they often forget about unexpected medical costs that come up when a pet gets sick or injured. Unfortunately, around one-third of Americans don’t have emergency savings, so they can end up choosing between paying…
If you don’t have a lot of wealth or valuable assets, you probably need life insurance to ensure your loved ones are financially secure. Figuring out how much life insurance you need is crucial. The first step is to determine the right amount of coverage. Instead of guessing, you should understand your insurable needs to…
Imagine finding a solution to the looming retirement challenge as the Baby Boomer generation starts turning 65. In 2013, a staggering $639 billion worth of life insurance benefits were forfeited or let go, and 88% of Universal Life policies were given up before any claims were made. Instead of losing out on this money, seniors…
New research shows encouraging trends in the mortgage market. According to the latest reports from the Council of Mortgage Lenders, there has been a noticeable increase in mortgage activity compared to the same time in 2011. Last month, gross mortgage lending reached £10.2bn, which is up from £10bn in April 2011. Even though this is…
Data breaches have become all too common, and my husband and I recently felt this firsthand. Last year, my debit card got hacked during the Target breach, and not long after, his was compromised in the Home Depot breach. Our bank canceled our cards without much notice, which was a huge hassle, especially since we…
If you’re thinking about getting into real estate investing, it’s not just about diving in with your money. You need to do some research, understand what kind of investor you’d like to be, and figure out the best path for you. Real estate crowdfunding websites can be a great starting point for beginners. These platforms…
Choosing whether to rent or buy a home is a hot topic in personal finance. Many people struggle with deciding which option is better financially. If you’re renting now and thinking about buying a home, it’s important to take an unbiased look at your own situation because this decision depends a lot on your unique…