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A glossary of common terms used in the mortgage loan or home buying process.

For many Americans, homeownership is one of many significant life events, and for a good reason. It offers financial security, stability, and the freedom to customize your living space. While there are many emotional benefits of owning a home, like having a yard for your kids to play or a private space to wind down, there are also financial and practical benefits. Historically, owning a home has been a source of long-term financial security. Home prices appreciate over the long term, and owners can borrow against their home equity. Of course, it also comes with responsibilities such as maintenance and upkeep. However, the benefits outweigh these responsibilities. In this article, we will outline 10 benefits of home ownership.

Imagine this: A few years ago, you took out a Home Equity Line of Credit to fund a significant home renovation. Fast forward to today, and you find yourself juggling higher interest rates with steadily climbing payments. Or you may be nearing the end of your draw period and must start repaying both principal and interest. In these scenarios, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face similar challenges as they reach the end of their HELOC draw period or struggle with fluctuating interest rates. So, what is a HELOC, and can you refinance it? If so, how does the process work? Let’s dive into the details.

As fuel costs climb, the ripple effects of inflation touch nearly every aspect of our finances, from daily commutes to the overall cost of living. As such, adjusting for inflation can be critical to our ongoing effort to maintain financial stability. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of handling the effects of rising gas prices by employing budget adjustment strategies that work.

Are you a current or aspiring entrepreneur? Now is a great time to start a business or continue investing in your existing business. With any business venture, you will need to manage any earnings you make from your business and your personal finances. Starting a business can be challenging at first but immensely rewarding over time. Investing is also an important part of being a business owner. Check out these personal finance tips for entrepreneurs to make the most of every dollar you earn.

If you are new to the world of Home Equity Loans and HELOCs, learn how these loans work and how you may be able to use them to your advantage.

When you buy a home for the first time and take out a home loan, you will need to pay back the amount borrowed plus interest over a set period of time. The total amount of the loan, including the principal plus interest, is split into equal monthly payments. Every payment will go towards both the principal and interest. A loan amortization schedule shows you what percentage of your monthly payment goes towards the principal vs. interest. These percentages will change over time as you get closer to paying off the loan. Use a loan amortization schedule to determine how much you are paying in interest over the life of the loan.

This article will cover what to expect, give you some tips to help compare your options and make the life insurance buying experience more convenient and stress free.

In some ways, going to college has become essential in today’s economy. Having a degree can be your ticket to a better paying job, but the cost of tuition can be prohibitive for some aspiring students and professionals. The good news is that there are many financial aid programs for you to choose from, regardless of your financial situation. You can lower the cost of college by doing your research and taking advantage of as many of these programs as possible. Don’t wait! The sooner you start researching these programs, the less you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

If you could only learn four things about money, what would they be? Read this article to learn about four essential money principles that can help you take control of your finances.

Are you ready to house hunt, but are wondering "How much mortgage can I afford?" Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can show sellers that you are a serious prospect and give you a leg up on other buyers who jump the gun by visiting open houses without even knowing their budget. In this market, where sellers are getting many offers including cash offers, a pre-approval can help you stand out as a buyer. When you have a documented pre-approval, the seller knows you will be able to get the funding you are offering for the home and you’ll be able to close more quickly and reliably.