Buying vs. Leasing a Car

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.

You’re looking forward to a long, happy marriage with your betrothed. However, before you say your “I do’s” you might want to have a heart-to-heart talk about money and how you’ll manage your finances. Disagreements on money-related issues are a common challenge that married couples face. Here are some steps you can take so money issues don’t become marriage issues.

So, you’re gearing up to buy a car and now it’s time to put your hard-earned money toward a beautiful vehicle that will hopefully last you for the foreseeable future. But calculating a car payment isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Getting pre-approved, locking in a low interest rate and shopping around for the best price is key to making sure you can afford your payments going forward. If you’re new to the world of buying a car, use this guide to get your finances in order before you sign on the dotted line.

This age-old dilemma continues to find new life in today’s economy. Driving is so much a part of our daily lives, but not everyone can afford to buy their car outright. Leasing a car can be a great option to save money, or for those individuals who enjoy driving a different car every few years. Like renting an apartment, you spend money month after month without walking away at the end of the lease with anything of your own. Let’s compare the pros and cons of buying vs. leasing a car so you can make the right decision based on your lifestyle.

Buying a home in a seller’s market can be challenging. While housing market conditions may be less than ideal, there are still benefits to buying a property versus renting. Use these tips to stay ahead of the competition and land the house you’ve always wanted.

Nothing could be more exciting than buying your first home! After years of saving and renting, it’s finally time to be the master of your own domain. But buying a home can be much more complicated than you might realize. The asking price of the home is just one piece of the equation as you navigate this all-too-important purchase. From shopping for a mortgage to budgeting for unexpected costs, we’ll walk you through every step of the process.

Refinancing your mortgage is a great way to reduce debt and take control of your finances. There are many reasons to swap out your current home mortgage for a new repayment plan. It all depends on what you’re looking to achieve with your new home loan. Use this guide to learn more about the refinancing process to see if this is the right option for you.

Paying off student loans is a top financial priority for many people, but it can be confusing and hard to navigate. Many people don’t understand how student loan debt works or what their options are to reduce their payments. Read this article to learn more about student loans and what options you have to pay them back.

As exciting as this moment may seem, it’s best to plan your wedding around your finances and future lifestyle. Your wedding is just one piece of a much bigger financial puzzle. Use this guide to help plan your special day in an affordable way so you don’t end up putting a financial strain on your marriage before it starts!

Whether you’re saving for your child to go to college or planning the next chapter of your career, you have several options to choose from when it comes to paying for school. The good news is that you’re thinking about your options ahead of time, which should help you make the most of your money as you prepare to further your education. 529 plans can be confusing but learning about these programs will help you save money over time as you finance your education, regardless of where you decide to go to school.

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.

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 big purchases in life.