Sometimes, big plans come with a big price tag. Tapping the equity in your home can provide the funds you want, but is this always the smartest way to pay? It all depends on your goals. Today we’re looking at some of the best ways that homeowners put their home equity to work. But before we look at these examples, let’s start with the basics:
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We have all heard it before — start saving now, so you can enjoy retirement on your terms. Unfortunately, if you’re like most 20-somethings, contributing to a retirement account is a task that tends to fall down your ever-growing list of to-dos. From student loans to rent and bills, it’s easy to understand how retirement planning, like selecting a Roth vs. traditional IRA, can be neglected. In fact, it is estimated that “66% of people between the ages of 21 and 32 have absolutely nothing saved for retirement, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security. To help get you started and escape that statistic, it is helpful to consider your retirement options and understand the differences between a Roth vs. traditional IRA, two important options for any retirement strategy.
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Taxes. They’re one of the two certainties of life, according to former Philly resident Benjamin Franklin. And with the arrival of tax season comes the inevitable arrival of tax jargon – terms that would have even Mr. Franklin scratching his head. Whether you’re new to filing taxes or just need a refresher, we want to help you file with more confidence and less confusion. Understanding the basic tax terms and concepts will be key to filing your return quickly and accurately – and without overpaying. So, before you file your 2019 tax return, make sure you know these nine essential terms.
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Having a great home is key to enjoying a great quality of life. Choosing a home that fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget often begins with one big question: Should you rent or buy?
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You want your child to enjoy the best opportunities, in their future career and throughout life. Supporting their higher education is one of the best ways to help make this happen. After all, it’s no secret that people who hold college degrees have a better chance of landing higher-paying jobs and earning more over their lifetime. Yet college costs are soaring: Over the last 40 years, the price of tuition and fees has increased by more than 1,100%. Not even healthcare costs have increased that quickly. Unfortunately, very few students earn enough in scholarships to cover their full education. While student loans are important, you don’t want your future college grad shouldering too much debt and struggling to make ends meet years after they’ve graduated.
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Saving for retirement is one of the most important things you’ll do with your money. But there are a lot of different ways to save for retirement. Choosing the best option can be confusing. If you’re looking for a simple solution that offers both steady earnings and protection for your funds, an IRA certificate could be right for you. While you may not have heard of this type of account, you’re probably familiar with the two accounts it combines: an individual retirement account (IRA) and a certificate (the credit union equivalent of a bank CD). Here’s why an IRA certificate could be a smart approach to your retirement savings.
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Every January, people across the world set New Year’s resolutions — from saving money to losing 15 pounds, the start of a new year is a chance to plan for the future and reach new milestones. One resolution that should be at the top of your list? Retirement planning.
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Is your home feeling a little cluttered? Want to get through the holidays, or start the new year, with a little extra cash in your pocket? If there are unused or seldom-used items taking up space in your home, consider selling them. Whether you’re purging your attic, decluttering your whole house, or getting ready to move, periodically selling off old things helps you simplify your lifestyle while earning quick cash – sometimes morethan you might expect.
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Think about everything you buy each month. Now, imagine if each dollar you spent helped you earn something you really want – like an awesome vacation, designer handbag, or more money in your pocket. In addition to the convenience and security they provide, debit and credit cards may let you earn valuable rewards like these. But there are some important facts you should know in order to choose the card that’s best for you.
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The holidays are approaching quickly and with them comes fun, food, gifts for the family, and the need to figure out how to pay for it all. The fact is, the average American can easily spend between $800 – $1000 on the holidays each year. Unfortunately, many people don’t save in advance and put it all on the credit card. This leaves them with a savings shortfall, or worse, a large credit card balance that they’ll be paying off well into the following year.
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