If you want to know how to live your best financial life, you’ve come to the right place! Here, you’ll find everything from information on insurance, investments, and owning rental property to advice on savings and retirement.
Rising on-campus housing costs and waiting lists for college dorms may mean you and your students are looking for a house or apartment rental. Before signing a lease, consider these questions and tips to ensure student housing is safe. Avoiding crime near student housing Look for housing in a space and a neighborhood where crime… Read more »
Apartment renters may find themselves needing to move before the term of their lease ends. Can you get a new renter to take over the lease? The answer depends on several factors. Read on for tips on how to sublet an apartment correctly. Read your lease agreement If you’re considering subletting your apartment to another… Read more »
It’s an unpleasant surprise when you find out your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover something you thought it did. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with a policy’s coverage before you sign on the dotted line. Let’s get out the magnifying glass and read the fine print. Property damage that is not covered The typical… Read more »
Homeowners get paid handsomely for renting their homes to production companies for movie, television or commercial shoots. Can you cash in and make your house a movie location rental? A star is born! Television and movie production companies long ago steered away from building sets in favor of shooting in real homes and businesses in… Read more »
It’s a shock when your application for a mortgage is declined. You are excited about owning a home, but the opportunity gets snatched away. What can you do about a mortgage application denial? First things first If your mortgage application is denied, ask the lender why. Under federal law, you have a right to know… Read more »
You may barely glance at your homeowner’s insurance renewal each year, but that’s a mistake. Changes in your home or life may mean you need a boost in coverage or that you’re eligible for fresh discounts. Let’s review before you renew. Read your homeowner’s insurance policy renewal You should receive the policy renewal about 45… Read more »
It’s easy to go overboard when decorating kids’ rooms. It’s so tempting to go all-in with a theme of trucks or unicorns or a much-loved superhero. But what happens when the child moves on to a new favorite? Here’s how to indulge your child’s intense, but changing, interests without breaking the budget. Color Schemes Start… Read more »
Securing a good interest rate and qualifying for a home require a good credit report. That’s easier said than done, especially for today’s millennials who are often weighed down by student loan debt. Here’s a four-step approach to building a strong credit history. Types of credit Debt falls into two categories: revolving and installment. Revolving… Read more »
If you make only the monthly payments set by your mortgage company, in the end, you will pay a significant amount of interest. Making biweekly mortgage payments can save you money by reducing interest and shortening the term of the loan. Here’s how. Chipping away a little at a time Paying off a mortgage over… Read more »
Cheaper than ever before, LED light bulbs are surging in popularity in American households. Not only do they save money on energy, but they also last far longer than traditional and CFL bulbs. Is it time for you to switch to LEDs? Incandescent Versus LED Versus CFL The old-fashioned incandescent light bulb historically has been… Read more »
It’s true. Mortgage rates had risen slightly over the past several months, but is that reason enough to halt your search for a new home? Not likely, because mortgage rates have since dropped and are still at historic lows. It’s a Numbers Game Simply put, the lower your rate, the lower your house payment. Federal… Read more »
Working from home has many appeals that can add value to your life. But before buying a house for your home business, pause for a moment to think about the following legal and logistical aspects. Layout Is there a dedicated room or separate space for your business? Can you turn a room into an office… Read more »
If you — or a member of your immediate family — are an emergency first responder or a member of the military — you could be eligible for specialized programs aimed at easing the home-buying process. The programs, which were created to honor those who have served, may save you time and money. Federal assistance… Read more »
Nearly 20 percent of today’s American households are multigenerational. A multigenerational household is defined as two or more adult generations living in one home or grandparents living in the same household as grandchildren younger than 25. The lifestyle can be positive for all concerned, but multigenerational living presents certain issues. Before you add that in-law… Read more »
When thinking of buying a house, a first question is often How much do I need for a down payment? Ideally, a down payment is 10 percent to 20 percent of the purchase price, which will reduce your mortgage and lower your monthly payments. But in reality, many buyers, especially first-timers, don’t have that kind… Read more »
Owners of business or investment property may want to sell and reinvest in a similar new property. An IRS rule allows you to accomplish this goal while deferring capital gains taxes on the property sale through a transaction known as a “1031 exchange.” Here’s how this complex but beneficial provision of the tax code works…. Read more »
After purchasing a new home and moving in, most new owners rush to buy new furniture to fill empty rooms. While those pieces may look just right in the showroom, they often lose their appeal when delivered. Here are seven tips for buying furniture that’s just right for your new home. 1. Budget Deciding on… Read more »
The trend in home buying has moved away from large down payments. In fact, today’s average down payment is just 6 percent, with zero-out-of-pocket deals more common than you might think. Accumulating savings while working can be difficult, especially for young first-time buyers with large amounts of student loan debt and beginner-level salaries. Here are… Read more »
Artwork adds color and personalization to a home, and can also help define your style. Having photos, prints, or other art on the walls transforms a sterile space into a home. Whether you’re a collector investing in high-quality artwork or a budget-minded homeowner interested in low-cost prints, here’s a brief how-to guide to buying art…. Read more »
Think you know real estate because you’ve bought and sold a home? Think again. Commercial real estate is a different ballgame, whether the property involved is an apartment building, shopping center or office space. How do these types of real estate differ, and how do those differences affect your choice of an agent? Intentions of… Read more »
