Ahh the rumble of the engine starting up, the sun glinting off the new paint and that sweet new car smell. There are few things that are more satisfying than the feeling of driving your brand-new car off the lot for the first time. But before you walk away with keys in hand, there are a few steps you must go through first. There can be a lot of anxiety around the car buying process, especially if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know what to ask. This guide will give you a comprehensive primer of things to know and look out for to ensure that your experience at the dealership is a smooth ride.

The decision to buy a home can be both exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Homeownership is what many of us strive for—to be able to have a home that we can call our own, as well as a real estate asset we can use to build our personal wealth. It is a big step to take. At the same time, though, the process of buying a house can be overwhelming. Understanding the step-by-step process in purchasing a home can help make the home-buying experience a more positive one for you and your family and can help reduce the additional stress that comes with this life-changing decision.

Many of us store personal, sensitive and confidential information on our digital devices. This makes them an attractive target for scammers and criminals. Follow best practices in these areas to help keep your devices secure:

Since the pandemic, unemployment insurance fraud has been increasing. If you have been the victim of fraud, read this article for steps to take. 

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.

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The amount of equity available for a home equity loan or home equity line of credit is determined by the loan-to-value ratio of the home and the ratio requirements of the lender. A loan-to-value ratio is calculated by taking total mortgage debt (including any second mortgages or existing home equity loans) and dividing it by the current, appraised value of the home. The size of a home equity loan or line of credit will also depend on the loan-to-value requirements of the lender. Higher loan-to-value requirements can result in larger home equity loans or lines of credit.

Struggling with debt? Having a hard time paying bills or keeping to your budget? Worried about bankruptcy? Explore ways to get back on track.

Creating a strong password is the first step in protecting your online banking account from unauthorized access. Follow these tips to help create a strong password.

In this beginner's guide, you'll learn what platforms are available for you to invest on, the pros and cons of each one and the types of accounts you may want to get started with.

The decision to refinance a home mortgage can involve many factors. You might want to take cash out of your home at when you refinance to use for other purposes. But the most common purpose is to obtain a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments. In the latter case, the decision to refinance should be based on lowering the overall mortgage costs and breaking even on the refinance in a reasonable period of time.

Be proactive in safeguarding your sensitive, personal and confidential information. Protecting this information makes it difficult for someone to assume your identity to commit fraud or other criminal acts. Focus on best practices in these areas to help keep your information safe: