Learning how to live on your own can be an exciting time in your life, but it’s also a big and costly transition. One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make involves finding a place to live that fits your budget. Because this is typically your largest expense, it raises the...
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A revocable living trust, or simply a living trust, is legal entity created to hold ownership of assets generally used to determine how their assets will be handled after they die. The person who creates this living trust is called the grantor or the trustmaker and typically also serves as the trustee, meaning they handle...
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If the responsibilities of being a homeowner have become tiresome, it might be time to make a move. Or maybe you’re looking at buying a house but think the regular maintenance is more than you, or your schedule, can handle. A condominium or co-op might be the right living option for you. Both offer the...
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Paperwork. It’s not the most exciting part of life, but putting a little work in up front to keep important documents organized and accessible can save a lot of hassle when you need to access them. But how long do you really need to keep documents? This guide will explain how long to keep your...
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Are you looking for a new job? You’re not alone. Research suggests that 51% of currently employed adults are looking for new jobs, and 47% believe they have a good chance at finding one.[1] No matter what kind of position you’re looking for, making a job switch means you make financial changes, too. Between a...
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There are many times during the year that can induce stress in people’s lives. The holiday season. Moving. An important work deadline. But a day that almost everyone considers universally stressful? Income Tax Day. While taxes can be confusing and time-consuming, tax time doesn’t necessarily have to be taxing. Stick to these tips to get...
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For car owners, a visit to an auto repair shop can cause as much anxiety as a trip to the dentist. Who knows what unforeseen problems will turn up? It’s the reason finding a reliable, honest mechanic – someone with your best interests in mind – is so important to car owners, especially those with...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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You’ve decided to take the plunge and buy a boat. The first thing to consider is your lifestyle and the type of boat that will be the best fit for you. Whether your plans include wakeboarding or simply cruising with friends and family, there are various considerations. Check out our guide on types of boats...
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Here’s what grandparents should know before giving college money to their heirs. If you’re a grandparent, you know how hard it is to resist the urge to give your grandchildren everything—the extra cookie, a special toy, even an expensive college education. In fact, you may already be funneling money into a savings account earmarked for...
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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...
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