Buying a home is exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. Whether you’re planning to buy your first home or looking to relocate, now is a great time to start preparing for homebuying season. Follow these strategies to reduce stress and increase your chances of a successful home purchase this season.
With so many ways to pay, how do you choose the best option for your lifestyle and financial needs? Each method has unique benefits and considerations – here’s a look at the most popular options and when to use them.
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If you’ve ever applied for a loan or a credit card, chances are you have had your credit score looked at. Lenders assess your credit score as a measure of the kind of borrower you are—how likely you are to pay them back, keep up with monthly payments, etc. But what exactly is a credit score, and what factors impact whether you have a good or a poor score?
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Whether it’s your freshman or senior year of college, you’re hopefully beginning to feel settled and prepared to tackle the fall semester. Amidst a stack of textbooks and endless trips to the library, managing your finances and a budget might be the last thing on your mind during the academic year. However, it is possible to balance your financial health with your academic and social life during college.
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It’s time once again for pencils to be sharpened, lunches to be packed, and backpacks to be zipped. Whether you’re a parent or not, your last few weeks have likely been surrounded by back-to-school advertisements or thoughts. And while it’s undoubtedly exciting for the kids to return for another school year, it’s a process that can become rather costly.
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Economic downturns, looming recessions, and rising inflation can shake your financial stability. In these times, credit cards can seem like an immediate solution, but leaning too heavily on them might set you up for future pitfalls. When it’s time to batten down your financial hatches, making wise choices regarding credit card use is more important than ever.
Life is unpredictable. An emergency, unexpected illness, or a bout of forgetfulness can all end in a missed loan payment. While missing a single payment may come with unwanted consequences like fees or penalties, it will not result in financial ruin. Stay calm and keep reading to learn what happens if you miss a loan payment.
If you’re new to borrowing, your first step is to establish credit. Secured credit cards can be an alternative to unsecured credit cards with the same conveniences. Secured credit cards are designed to help borrowers take positive steps towards financial freedom. The best candidates for secured credit cards are high-risk borrowers, those with damaged or insufficient credit history, those who are just starting out with credit, and those looking to avoid overspending.
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On the surface, debit cards and credit cards look alike, with a chip and a magnetic stripe, your financial institution's logo, and the card network (like Visa or Mastercard). They both give you a convenient way to make purchases online and in stores.
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Traveling can bring excitement, new experiences, and can even help you recharge and reduce stress. But to travel, you’ll need to pay for your trip and expenses that come with it. Travel credit cards are a great option for those looking to earn and redeem points, cash back, and receive valuable perks to help ease travel costs. With many options available to travelers, it’s hard to know which card is your best option. We’ve created a guide to help you determine which type of card best suits your spending habits, travel needs, and expectations.
