College is expensive. The average cost of public college is nearly $10,000 per year for in-state residents and more than twice that for out-of-state residents. Add that up over four years and you’ve got a pretty hefty sum of money on your hands — a sum that many students (and their parents) just don’t [...]
Refinancing can be beneficial for many homeowners. It can lower your rate, your monthly payment and maybe even shorten the total length of your loan. But if you have two mortgage loans on your hands? Then refinancing might be even more powerful a financial tool. You might have two mortgages because: You took out [...]
In the present moment while writing this blog, mortgage rates are officially at their lowest point in almost two years, according to Freddie Mac. For would-be buyers, that can mean a more affordable entry into homeownership. But for existing homeowners? It can be the ticket to serious savings and a slew of both short- and [...]
Just because you’re saving up to buy a house doesn’t mean you have to scrimp and penny-pinch at every turn. Even more importantly? It doesn’t mean skipping that much-needed summer vacation either. If you’re looking to buy a house but still need a little R&R this season, there are plenty of ways to travel on [...]
With mortgage rates dropping in the first quarter of the year, the number of homeowners refinancing has steadily climbed. And it’s no wonder why. Refinancing your mortgage can come with serious benefits. From lower interest rates and reduced monthly payments to faster repayment periods and access to quick cash, the advantages are many if the [...]
If you're a homeowner, then you've probably heard of home equity before — at least in some form or fashion. Whether your neighbor recently did a cash-out refinance or you've been told you can "take money out of your house" for renovations or expenses, it all comes down to home equity — and how much [...]
When it comes to credit card debt, over-extending oneself can happen to anyone. One reason many find themselves in a downward debt spiral is that in attempting to dig themselves out, they only make things worse. Do you pay the minimum balance month after month, convinced you'll catch up "eventually"? Are you transferring credit card [...]
There’s no doubt about it: a home isn’t the easiest thing to come into. Do you sell it and cash in right away? Do you move in? Do you wait around for the market to improve and its value to rise? There are lots of options when you’ve inherited a home — and it’s certainly [...]
Lives can change in a short amount of time. It's possible the situation you are in today could be drastically different than the situation you found yourself in just five years ago. Maybe five years ago, you were fresh out of college, starting your career, single, and purchased your first home. Maybe today, you're married [...]