Mortgage lenders often show interest rates openly but rarely explain how they actually work. For example, if you have a 30-year mortgage of $200,000 with a 7.5 percent interest rate, your monthly payment is roughly $1,400. But how is this 7.5 percent interest rate determined? It’s based on the monthly interest derived from dividing the…
Raising kids is a big financial commitment. On average, it costs over $300,000 to raise a child from birth to 17 years old, and that doesn’t even include college expenses! So, starting a college fund for your kids is a great way to help them smoothly move into adulthood. Wondering how to start? The Real…
The stock market has hit its lowest point since 2008 due to various factors. Issues such as instability in China, uncertainty from the Federal Reserve, falling oil prices, and stagnant earnings growth have contributed to the decline on Wall Street. These problems have already wiped out 6% of the S&P 500’s value this year. Despite…
Last week, the House of Representatives approved the JOBS Act, aiming to make it easier for small businesses to raise money and go public by simplifying the filing requirements. However, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissioner Luis Aguilar raised some concerns, echoing what Senate Democrats and SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro have also said. Aguilar believes the…
Refinancing can be a great way to lower the interest rate on your current mortgage, which can reduce your monthly payments. To get the most competitive mortgage rates, it’s important to understand a few key points. When searching for the lowest refinance rates, there are numerous lenders online. Just like shopping for other things online,…
It’s only February, but spring break is almost here. As a parent, I know how excited my kids get about this week-long break. Waiting until the last minute can be expensive, but over the years, I’ve found a few ways to keep costs down. STAYCATION: The simplest way to save money is by not traveling…
When I was just three years old, I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up and even had a plan for it, including the right academic path. I did well on my college entrance exams, which opened the door for free education at in-state colleges. But their courses didn’t align with…
Credit card debt can be a huge obstacle when it comes to achieving financial freedom. The high-interest rates and small payments make it feel like you’re not making any progress. But with some smart and active planning, you can cut down or even completely clear your credit card debt in as little as a year….
Achieving financial wellness requires careful planning and disciplined money management. I speak from experience, as I didn’t always prioritize investing, saving, or diversifying my financial portfolio. Over the years, we’ve seen the ups and downs of financial markets, and diligent investors have enjoyed significant returns from Wall Street since 2009/10. For the past six years,…
After being on hold for over three years, student loan payments are starting up again. From September 1st, interest on federal loans will start accumulating, and regular monthly payments will be required beginning in October. Are you ready for this? Many people are worried about fitting these payments back into their budgets, especially with the…