Unlike most purchases, buying a home requires a whole team of people to ensure the transaction goes smoothly. As a first-time homebuyer all those people may seem overwhelming, and you might wonder if it’s even necessary to have everyone involved. Let’s take a look at who’s who on your homebuying team and how they can help you. Housing...
Although declaring bankruptcy can provide relief from the worries of unmanageable debt, many consumers are left wondering when and if they will be able to secure new credit at reasonable rates. Your credit report will reflect the consequences of bankruptcy for 7-10 years. But that doesn’t mean it will take that long to rebuild your credit. Fortun...
Your credit score is about more than obtaining credit at reasonable rates. It can also affect your ability to do other things such as get a job and rent a place to live. Having bad credit makes it more challenging — but not impossible — to rent an apartment. Let’s review some tips on how to rent an apartment with bad credit. Face the ...
Most of us don’t think twice about buying a coffee or picking up the lunch tab for a friend who’s low on cash. But what about when a friend asks you for a more significant loan? Before you answer yes or no, ask yourself these questions. They can help you decide if you should lend money to a friend. Why Do They Need It? While you wouldn...
Although the pandemic isn’t over, the percentage of vaccinated adults is increasing by the day, which brings us closer to the end of it than we have been up to now. The thought of getting back to normal is exciting, but what will that do for your budget? Let’s take a look at preparing for post-pandemic finances. Evaluate Your Current Si...
Many potential first-time homebuyers struggle for years to save enough for a down payment. What they don’t realize is that there are many down payment assistance programs available that can make it easier to get into a home sooner. Let’s take a look at down payment assistance programs. Who Can Receive Down Payment Assistance? These pro...
Giving teens a well-rounded financial education includes helping them understand credit cards. From the pros and cons of credit card usage, to how they differ from debit cards, giving your teen an understanding of the potential risks and rewards of using credit cards can help them avoid costly mistakes in the future. Let’s take a look at these im...
If spending much more time at home over the past year has given you the urge to declutter your space in a big way, you’re not alone. The movement to streamline and simplify is more than trendy. It can actually make you feel happier in your home and help you save money. Let’s take a look at these multitasking products that can help you on your q...
On Thursday, March 12, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan to help Americans manage the financial implications and many other aspects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A major part of this legislation calls for Americans to receive a third round of stimulus funds directly from the government. Individuals earning up to $75,000 a...
When it comes to teaching kids about money and financial topics, there are more resources available than ever before, including apps. Chances are your kids spend plenty of downtime looking at their screens, so why not make that time productive with apps and games that teach them about money management, banking basics, investments, and more? Let’s...
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