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Three years ago, my husband and I fulfilled our dream of buying a home together before we turned 30. Along the way, we made a few mistakes and learned important lessons about what it really costs to buy a home. If you’re thinking about house-hunting, read on to learn some potentially unexpected costs to factor…
read moreWhen it comes to improving one’s credit score, there are few shortcuts to make note of. The best way to improve your credit is to make every payment in full, on time. Do this, and your score will show improvement within a very short period of time. So are there any things that can be…
read moreBuying a home with your partner is one of the most fulfilling purchases you can make. Not only are you going to experience the joy of becoming a homeowner, you’re also going to have the person you love by your side through the journey. And when you get the keys to your new home, you…
read moreInterest rates play a central role in our financial lives, but sometimes it’s confusing to sort them all out. You might pay 3.5% interest on your auto loan, 4.5% on a home loan, and 13% on your credit cards. Meanwhile, your savings account is earning a paltry 0.5% in interest. On top of that, there’s…
read moreBuying a home in your 20s is an investment in your future – and one that can grow significantly as you build equity. If you believe you are ready to take the leap from renting to owning, don’t let age deter you; follow these tips on the path to experiencing the joy and pride of…
read moreOne way people seek to address their debt is by transferring balances to a new credit card. They might be consolidating multiple cards into one debt, or combining different kinds of debts under a new revolving credit card account. This kind of strategy isn’t for everyone, and like any debt repayment strategy, has upsides and…
read moreAs you start the home buying process, it’s fairly common to begin researching available homes through the internet and to understand how much buying power you may have through mortgage pre-qualification. We suggest adding one more invaluable component, investing your time in Pre-Purchase Coaching, provided by a certified coach from a U.S. Department of Housing…
read moreWarm weather may inspire you to fling open your windows and tackle some serious spring cleaning. Why not channel some of that fresh-start energy into your finances? Just like clutter accumulates at home, bad spending patterns can creep up bit by bit, making them hard to spot. Commit to dropping a few of these bad…
read moreThe “Sold” sign in the yard is a clear indicator that your dream of homeownership is about to become a reality. Now comes the essential step of protecting your family and this precious new asset with the proper insurance. In fact, all lenders will require you to have homeowners insurance at the time you close…
read moreWe help people eliminate debts like credit card balances and achieve financial freedom, so it’s often assumed that we are against credit card use. That’s not true; we know credit cards are a necessary part of your personal finances, and the truth is that there are some benefits that are impossible to ignore. In fact,…
read more Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you can make, both in terms of cost and effect on your lifestyle. Weighing these practical considerations will help you make the right choice when you’re ready to buy a home. The True Cost of the House The mortgage is the largest part of the…
read moreIf you’re like the majority of U.S. taxpayers, you’ll soon have a tax refund check burning a hole in your pocket (if you haven’t received it already). What next? Using your refund wisely can accelerate your progress toward important financial goals. Here are our top suggestions to make the most impact with your tax refund….
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