Does your business need extra cash? Whether you need money to buy new equipment, grow your business or purchase a plot of land, you may need a loan for your business to fund the transaction. Small businesses borrowed $614 billion in 2016, according to a survey by the Small Business Administration. Loans under $100,000 saw...
Read more about How to Get a Business Loan
Life is tough when everything seems to fall apart. A divorce, a death, a job that was a sure thing suddenly disappearing. It’s even tougher when you’re close to retirement. Give yourself a short amount of time to dwell in that pain, and then move on. Easier said than done, of course. But focusing on...
Read more about Financial Tips When You Hit Your 60s
When you sell your home, carving off a piece of that big check and handing it over to a real estate agent is an unpleasant moment. It’s hard to resist wondering whether you could have sold your home yourself and kept the agent’s commission. There is an alternative that lets you DIY – For Sale...
Read more about How to Sell Your Own Home
Despite the shifting demographics of ownership, RV travel still remains a popular activity for retirees who have the time and adventurous spirit to enjoy a more nomadic lifestyle. For seniors who are looking to downsize in retirement while still maintaining the option to travel with the comforts of home, RV retirement communities can be an...
Read more about Guide to Senior RV Clubs and Retirement Communities
The concept of small living isn’t something only empty-nesters enjoy anymore. A growing number of people want to own a home, but it may not be feasible in their bigger financial picture. One solution? Small-space living. Research shows that 68% of homeowners who live in tiny homes don’t have a mortgage, compared to 29% of...
Read more about The upside to small living and tips to make it happen
If you’re moving out of a home you own, you might be wondering whether to rent your house out or sell it. Both of these options have benefits. It’s important to look at your individual situation and weigh the pros and cons before you decide. Many elements factor into choosing whether to rent or sell...
Read more about Should You Rent or Sell Your House?
Credit cards aren’t inherently bad. In fact, building a credit history is usually necessary if you plan to finance a big purchase like a car or home. Use these tips to maintain a good credit score—and keep your loan rates low. Learn your FICO Score. When you apply for a mortgage or a loan, your...
Read more about 7 Simple Tips to Use Your Credit More Responsibly
A second house might be an investment, a vacation property or a combination of the two. Regardless of its intended use, a rising number of people are purchasing residential real estate. They see real estate as a safer investment than other investments that might come with increased risks. A National Association of Realtors survey showed...
Read more about 3 Things to Consider When Deciding to Buy a Second Home
Making big decisions about where and how you live isn’t always easy. Your space needs to meet your needs and remain comfortable for you for the unforeseeable future. However, you may find yourself having too much space — and it isn’t comfortable or convenient. In fact, 60% of Americans living in a 2,000-square-foot home said...
Read more about 7 Benefits of Downsizing to an Apartment
If you’re looking to buy a house, one of the first questions a real estate agent will ask is what kind of house you’re seeking. Everyone usually has a preference, and knowing what yours is can help your agent understand what options to show you. Because buying a home is a long-term commitment, it’s important...
Read more about Your Guide to the 6 Most Common Styles of Homes
For Millennials, figuring out how and where to save money and invest it is a little trickier than for previous generations. In many ways this group has the same financial concerns of previous generations. They might be paying off student debt, saving for a house, putting money into retirement accounts, building an emergency fund and...
Read more about Millennials and Generation Z: How to Prioritize Finances to Get Ahead
Regardless of where a woman is in her life, she should arm herself with the tools and knowledge she needs to confidently manage her finances. Every woman should know the basics of personal finance to avoid potentially costly consequences. In financial literacy matters, women tend to score lower than men consistently, according to an article...
Read more about 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Finances
Speak with your tax preparer to find out which of these changes are best for you. Given the state of the housing market, you might think the saying “There’s value in real estate” doesn’t mean as much as it used to. But there could be money in your house—in the form of potential tax savings....
Read more about How Your Home Can Help You Save on Taxes
Debt-to-Income Calculator Plug in your numbers and see where you stand To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, add up all of your monthly debts (aka “recurring debt”), including your mortgage or rent, car loans, student loans, credit card payments and any other loans. Then divide that by your gross (before taxes) monthly income. Mortgage or rent...
Read more about Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio