When buying a house, offering a big down payment can save you a lot of money in the long run. Here’s how to save for a down payment the smart way. Even if you don’t plan to buy a house for several years, you’ve probably started...
Thankfully, a good financial plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your first one. Evaluate Where You Stand Building a financial plan is like creating a fitness program. If you just start doing random exercises, you could end up injuring yourself without making any actual...
Your dreams matter. Make them attainable by investing your money in the most profitable way. Whether you’re planning a dream trip, looking to purchase that perfect home, or schedule for your years of retirement, organizing your financial life will make a meaningful difference. Set your dreams...
There are nearly 30 million small businesses across the United States. If you are a proud small business owner, you know how difficult it can be to get through the first year or to expand after you have outgrown your present location or staffing. Securing...
A mortgage loan preapproval lets you know in advance how expensive of a home you can afford. A lender determines if you qualify for a home loan based on your income and credit history. If you're approved, the lender sets the maximum amount you can spend...
Preparing yourself financially for retirement is among the most important goals for any worker or a business owner. Even then, figures show that nearly half of all Americans have yet to start planning for retirement. An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a popular way to save for retirement...
In an era of increasing risk of identity theft, it is more and more vital that consumers take steps to protect themselves and their own data. One fast and easy way to protect yourself and your family is to sign up for ID Theft Smart. ID Theft...
Unless you are paying in cash, securing a mortgage will most likely be necessary to buy a home. Unfortunately, some buyers are not financially capable of buying a home for one reason or another. Thankfully, help is available if you are unsure whether you are ready to...
A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a special savings vehicle that offers distinct advantages over savings accounts. Although several different types of CDs exist, the most common option requires you to keep your funds in the CD for a certain amount of time, called a...
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are a safe, predictable investment option, and they generally offer higher interest rates than conventional savings accounts. Trying to decide if a CD is right for your savings goals? Here are six signs you should consider opening a CD account. 1. You...