Signs of Housing Scams & Fraud
Signs of Housing Scams & Fraud
When the housing bubble burst in 2007, a slew of scam artists started targeting homeowners facing foreclosure. It quickly became difficult to sort the real help from false hopes. Consumers around the country were scammed out of thousands of dollars, and even their homes. It’s important to know that legitimate help is widely available. The […]
Read MoreSpring Break Travel Discounts May Come with “Baggage”
It’s that time of year, folks across the country are itching for a much-anticipated break from school and work. It’s also the time when eager spring breakers put down their guard and fall victim to travel scams. March is National Consumer Protection Month, a perfect occasion to review tips for fending off swindlers and ensuring […]
Read MorePrecautions for Co-signers
Lenders require a co-signer when a consumer doesn’t qualify for a loan, either due to a lack of credit history or poor credit history. A co-signer is an individual who meets the loan requirements and agrees to cover the loan payments if the borrower requesting the loan is unable to make them. The decision to […]
Read MoreHow to Create a Workable Budget
One of the most effective tools for managing your personal finances is also the most overlooked. It’s the personal budget, which simply measures the amount of money coming in and the amount going out. At Take Charge America, we have found that individuals who maintain regular budgets are more likely to recognize and reverse bad […]
Read MoreDo’s and Don’ts for Using Home Equity
Equity is the difference between a home’s fair market value and the outstanding mortgage balance. When the housing market crashed in the fall of 2007 and into 2008, many homeowners across the nation lost much, if not all, of the equity in their homes. Homeowners who do have equity in their homes have the option […]
Read MoreFinancial Moves Before Marriage
Is marriage in your near future? Before you say “I do,” you need to make sure you’re financially prepared for this major milestone. We have outlined six financial steps you and your partner need to take before walking down the aisle. Open the Lines of Communication Have you already had the big “money talk”? Financial […]
Read More10 Easy Ways to Save $50 This Month
Could you use some extra cash? Most of us can, especially with the challenges of a looming recession, stalled wage growth and rising prices on consumer goods. To help you free up more cash this month, here are 10 easy ways to save $50 (or more!). Cheap Gas Visit sites like gasbuddy.com to […]
Read MoreFeeling House Poor? 5 Tips to Simplify and Save
Homeownership is considered a cornerstone of the much-desired American dream. However, we each embark on a path toward fulfilling this dream at different rates, surrounded by different circumstances. If we get caught up in chasing a dream that’s not within our current means, then we run the risk of serious financial hardships in all parts […]
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know Before Borrowing Money for College
A weak economy and rising tuition costs have forced student loan debt levels into the spotlight. People from all walks of life and backgrounds struggle with payments. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports student loan debt has even surpassed credit card debt in America. If you need a loan to pay […]
Read MoreFinancial Tips for Older College Students
Whether you’re going back to school to finish a degree you started earlier in your life, or you’re planning to attend college for the first time as an adult, congratulations! You’ll see your efforts pay off in the form of higher lifetime earnings. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the expected lifetime earnings of an […]
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