More Americans are choosing long-term auto loans, up to 84 months in some cases. That's seven years of car payments! Longer-term car loans are attractive because they allow buyers to purchase a more expensive vehicle with a lower monthly payment compared to a shorter-term loan. While a long-term car loan make it more affordable to get behind the wheel of the car of your dreams, there are several drawbacks to vehicle loans with long repayment periods. You’ll end up upside...
As a startup founder, you have a lot on your plate. While there is plenty to think about, financial matters should never be swept under the rug. At first, you may be reluctant to apply for a credit card. Soon enough, once you learn more, you could find that this is the right decision for you and your growing business. Here are three of the best reasons for a startup to secure a credit card in...
Are you confused by how a mortgage rate lock works? Are you wondering if this is something you should even consider? When buying a home, you want to take as much guess work out of the process as possible. By locking your rate at the appropriate time, you can gain peace of mind in knowing that it will not increase before your closing date. As you work with your lender, be sure to ask these five...
If you rent a home or apartment, as opposed to owning, you should consider the benefits of buying a renters insurance policy. This coverage is designed to protect you against loss due to natural disaster, theft, or accident. Just the same as any type of insurance, there are many companies that sell this coverage. Furthermore, you have a variety of options when making a buying decision. To ensure that you are on the right track, here...
In a perfect world, you would never have to change your budget. It would remain the same (100 percent effective), month after month. In the real world, however, there are times when you need to alter your budget to better suit your income, expenses, and goals. Here are three signs of a budget that needs altered: 1. Continue to spend more than you have budgeted for. This may happen from time to time, but if it...
During the winter months it is not always easy to think about summer. After all, it seems so far away. However, if you have plans on vacationing this summer, now is the time to begin the preparation process. In addition to selecting a location, you need to set a budget and start saving. It won’t be long before you need to make a payment to reserve your hotel, flight, and/or rental car. Here are three tips...
It doesn’t matter what you have done in the past, you never know what will happen to your credit score in the future. Even if you keep a close eye on every move you make, there is always the chance that your score could tank. Remember this: it only takes one mix-up to ding your credit score. At that point, you may find yourself wondering what went wrong. Rather than get down on yourself, rather than...
Are you in the market for a new home? Have you come to the realization that securing a mortgage is the only way to pay for your purchase? Generally speaking, you have two options for finding a mortgage: • Communicate directly with multiple lenders, eventually deciding on the one that is best for you. • Hire a mortgage broker to “shop around” and explain your many options. The primary benefit of using a broker is time...
To get better at anything, you have to work on it often. That includes your finances. You can’t take a peek at your budget and balances once a month or so and expect to excel financially. Here are five things you should do everyday for better finances. Review your financial goals. Goals aren’t like an alarm clock that you can set and forget, not if you want to ever reach your goals. You have to review...
If you’re serious about achieving your financial goals, follow these twelve tips to ensure your goals are more than just simple dreams. Make sure they’re specific enough. If you set a goal “to save more money,” how will you know when you’ve saved more money? When you’ve saved $5? $500? $5,000? If your goals are too vague you won’t know how to achieve them or when you’ve reached them. Make sure your goals are specific so you...
