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What Is A Cash Out Refinance Mortgage And Why Do One?

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While some people think renting is the best decision, others of us dream of owning our own home. Most of us buyers have a goal of paying off our mortgages before retiring (or earlier if possible). So, when interest rates drop, it’s smart to consider refinancing your mortgage to reduce payments or the term length […]

What Should I Know As A Beginning Investor?

It feels like you can’t go a minute without hearing someone mention the stock market, saving and investing for retirement, or preparing for a financially secure future. You’re constantly hearing about investment hype, doomsday forecasts, or the latest get-rich-quick-scheme. So, what are you to make of all this? You want to build wealth and think […]

How Does Being Wealthy Differ From Being Rich? Can You Be Both?

Do you want to be rich? Or would you prefer to be wealthy instead? Most people think about rich and wealthy as the same thing. But contrasting them and considering what they mean on a deep level can make a difference in your finances. In simple terms, being rich is having the ability to spend […]

What Is The Difference Between Needs And Wants? [& How Do I Afford Both?]

One of the most common pieces of financial advice is to focus on needs instead of wants. Knowing how to prioritize your needs over your wants truly is an effective starting point. But to take that first step, you need to know the difference between needs and wants. In this guide, you’ll learn how to […]

How Do I Adopt An Abundance Mindset and Why Is It Important?

As you navigate day-to-day life, you face plenty of challenges. Dealing with issues at work, at home, or with personal situations can be a real struggle. Another thing you might find difficult is accepting responsibility for your happiness and success. While you do plenty of things right, you may not realize you’re setting up barriers […]

What Is Impostor Syndrome And Can It Affect My Finances?

You get an acceptance letter from your “reach” college. You land your dream job. Your annual review is glowing. You ace a challenging certification exam. You get a promotion at work. Your small business is thriving. These are all examples of times when you should feel excitement and pride for your hard work, dedication, and […]

Is It Better To Donate Time Or Money To A Charity?

You want to do good in the world. That’s incredible. What’s even more beautiful is you’re not alone. In 2018, both volunteering and charitable giving of time and money broke records. Over 77 million American adults engaged in donating time in 2018. During the same year giving topped $400 billion for the very first time. […]

How Do I Get Rid of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?

If you pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) you’re not alone. The average down payment on a home purchase is only 6% requiring most homeowners to pay for PMI each month. If you had less than a 20 percent down payment when you bought your house, your lender probably required you to have private mortgage […]

Is Working With a Travel Agent Worth The Time And Money?

Whether you have a real passion for travel or you only pack your bags on occasion, there’s work involved in planning a trip. With Google at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to make your own travel plans. But is “DIY” travel planning always the smartest (and most frugal) move? It makes good sense to […]

Retail Therapy: Is Emotional Spending Ever A Good Idea?

Whether you believe that money can buy happiness or not, research shows shopping can improve your mood. And while it might only be a temporary fix for some, emotional spending isn’t always a wrong financial move. Plenty of people use retail therapy when they are upset about something at work, sad about a relationship ending, […]

What Does It Take To Be A Successful Investor?

Several studies in the last few years have found that many women are really good investors. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that women often earn higher returns on their investments than men. They also tend to add more to their account balances over time. But there is still a confidence gap when […]

What Is A Financial Mission Statement? Why And How Do I Create One?

Staying focused on your financial goals can be difficult. You know what they are. And you know you’ll be better off if you stick to them. But you also have a lot going on in your life, and it can be hard to remain dedicated to something just floating around in your head. If you’re […]

What Are The Best Ways To Financially Prepare For A Baby?

Your family is growing! Whether this is your first time becoming a mom or not, preparing to have a baby brings a whirlwind of feelings, emotions, and worries. One of the biggest concerns moms-to-be face is a financial one. You may have seen estimates that it costs $233,000 to raise a child from birth to […]

Starter House Or Forever Home? Considerations When Buying Your First Place

Buying a home is exciting. It’s also one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. So you want to get it right – and you want to get it right the first time. If you’re buying your first home, you may wonder if you should buy a “starter” home or a “forever” home. […]

Is A Money Market Account The Best Place For My Savings?

You prioritized your financial savings goals, opened a high-interest savings account, and even automated deposits to build an emergency fund. But now you’re hearing you may earn more money on your money by putting it into a money market account. What the heck is a money market account? Is it a savings account or an […]

When Is Taking Out A Personal Loan A Good Idea?

A personal loan is a loan you can use to fund any purpose. But before you start scheming about what you’d do with an extra few grand, it’s important to understand how this type of loan works so you can determine if taking on this debt is right for your situation. Common Reasons to Get […]

Why Is It Important For Women To Invest And Not Just Save?

You hear about people not saving enough for retirement on the news. Oodles of articles report on women living longer than men and the struggle many women have with money in their later years. Family members, friends, and online communities mention the importance of women investing and they encourage you to get started. You know […]

Is Buying A Short Sale, Foreclosure Or REO Home Too Risky?

Whether you’re looking for a bargain on your first home, hoping to score a great deal on a bigger house, looking for a house to flip, or investing in another rental property – your attention is focused on foreclosures. But is it a good idea or way too risky to buy a home in foreclosure? […]

What Happens When You Cannot Pay Your Mortgage?

Perhaps you lost your job after going through a divorce. Or you’re suffering from a severe illness or injury and unable to work. Whatever the cause, you’re now struggling to make ends meet and worry you can’t pay your mortgage. On top of it being a rough emotional time, your finances are a wreck. You […]

Is Investing A Lot Of Money At Once the Best Idea? Or Should I Spread It Out?

It’s the week your big bonus from work hits your bank account. Or you receive a sizeable cash gift or inheritance from a relative. Perhaps you have proceeds from the sale of your home or cash from a rollover retirement account. Or you’ve just been saving money for a few years and now understand why […]

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