Personal Finance

Common Home Finance Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a home is a dream for millions of Americans, and it is within reach for many. Still, it can sometimes feel like an uphill battle to save for a down payment and make your homeownership dreams a reality. If you want to avoid common roadblocks to success, the experts say you should ensure you’re not making any of the following three ... More

Four Money Habits to Model for Your Children

Studies have shown that we develop our relationships with money – both positive and negative – as children. The examples we see from our parents, and the lessons they provide, stay with us unto adulthood and shape how we manage our finances. For this reason, it’s important to be intentional about how we speak to our children about ... More

Do You Know the Truth About These Personal Loan Myths?

In recent years, financial data shows that Americans are more likely to use a credit card than any other mode of payment when they can’t pay for something in cash. The second most popular option, however, is taking out a personal loan. With so many people utilizing personal loans, it’s important to understand how they work and what ... More

Use These Credit Card Tips to Stay Out of Financial Trouble

Credit cards can be useful financial tools when used properly, but users can also get into financial trouble easily if they misuse them. Check out these tips to follow to ensure you’re being smart about your credit card use and avoiding costly mistakes. Image via Unsplash/Alexander Schimmeck Continue to original source. More

Expect the Unexpected: What to Look for When Checking Your Credit Report

If you’ve ever scanned your credit report – and you should do so annually – you’ve likely seen all the expected information: name, address, social security number, existing debts and credit applications. If you look closely, though, you may find some surprising information, as well. Here are four items you may be surprised to find on ... More

Personal Finance Guidance: When Your Mortgage is Underwater

We all make personal finance mistakes sometimes, and if you owe more on your home than what you could sell it for in the present market, it’s called an “underwater mortgage.” The situation can seem hopeless – pouring money into a property that will not yield a financial benefit, and which could actually damage your finances instead. ... More

How Missing Payments Affect Your Credit

Missing loan payments can affect your credit in many ways. Here is the process of how late payments work: Late payments are reported on day 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180, which are negative marks on your credit score. At this point, the account is charged off. A charge-off is another new negative mark on your credit. Once a collections ... More

What to Consider Before You Apply for a Second Mortgage

Many people have reason to apply for a second mortgage, which refers to an additional home loan on the same property on which you already have one mortgage loan. If you own a home and find yourself in need of an infusion of cash – for instance, to pay for a wedding or unexpected medical expense – a second mortgage could be a useful tool ... More

Money Mistakes People Make Over and Over

No human beings are perfect, and we all make our fair share of mistakes in life. Financial mistakes are chief among them for many Americans, with many people repeating the same ones over and over. Luckily, there’s no time like the present to make a positive change. Read through these common money mistakes so that you can avoid getting into ... More

The Sneaky Truth Behind Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers

If you receive pre-approved credit card offers in the mail, you may be wondering where they come from. Keep in mind that receiving a preapproved credit card offer does not impact your credit score. So you’re safe there. But, accepting the offer will negatively affect your credit. So why you may be under the impression that the credit ... More