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Buying 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….
read moreWe’ve hit the home stretch in our Guide to Homeownership, and it’s time to talk about that pivotal final piece: the mortgage. First, if you missed any of our previous articles in this series, be sure to read them, as they walk you through a few essential steps to follow before applying for a mortgage….
read moreWe recently wrote about 5 things to know about paying off a credit card. While we coach people to pay off their debts and live more on a cash basis, we recognize that credit cards also have some very important benefits. There are, however, some risks that can be a serious threat to your personal…
read moreThe Home Buying Process The home buying process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time home buyers. We want to give you a quick overview of the process, including some important steps you should do at the beginning of the process. 1. Attend a pre-purchase education course This is a very important first step that too…
read moreGetting ready to file your tax return? Review these guidelines and take action where appropriate to make the most of deductions and get your return processed as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Make Any Last-Minute Traditional IRA Contributions This year, the deadline for tax-deductible 401(k) and HSA contributions, as well as contributions to a traditional…
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