Thinking of Buying Your Next Home? Here’s What to Consider
Like many of you, I’m currently living in my first home. It’s been three and a half years since my husband and I handed over a big check during closing to get the keys to our own little piece of the American dream. This first house has been good to us, and we’ve made so […]
Should You Open Multiple Savings Accounts? Learn the Pros and Cons Here
Let’s keep it simple: There’s no limit to the number of savings accounts you can open. The tricky part? Knowing whether or not it’s worth it to have multiple ones. While opening more than one savings account may help you keep several savings goals (retirement, vacation, future down payment) organized, it could mean more monthly […]
16 Things to Do Immediately After Buying a House (Includes Bonus Checklist!)
Buying a home is like running a marathon. There are so many steps to complete and papers to sign before you can walk in the front door. You might feel a sense of relief when it’s all over and you have your keys in hand, but don’t rest just yet. There are still a few […]
Investing in Forex vs. Stocks
How you invest your money, and what you invest in, are personal choices based on a number of factors: your risk tolerance, time horizon, investment skills, interests, and goals. Want to back sustainable businesses or invest in a range of industries? Stocks and ETFs might be for you. Interested in different global currencies? Forex could […]
Know Your Down Payment Options: Why 20% Is No Longer King
If you’re shopping for a new home, someone might’ve mentioned the golden rule of homebuying: You must make a 20% down payment to secure a mortgage. For decades, the gold standard was a 20% down payment. Today, you may mistakenly believe that, until you have socked that much away, your hopes for home ownership are […]
What Your Risk Tolerance Reveals About Your Dating Style
Taking risks — big and small — is a part of life. Whether it’s planning your ideal date night with your significant other (do you fall back on your long-time favorite restaurant, or roll the dice with something new?) or designing your investment strategy, your tolerance for risk can play a major role in how […]
You’re Conservative, She’s Risky: How to Invest Together
Money plays a significant role in many stages of relationships, from date one to planning a wedding. Once you’re well beyond the who’s going to pay dinner-date-wallet-dance phase and possibly married or planning on it in the future, it may be time to step into a new frontier of financial conversations: investing together. Whether you’re […]
What’s the Difference Between a Manufacturer’s Warranty and a Vehicle Service Contract?
We’ve all been there: on our commute, on a road trip, or on the way home in the rain — and the check engine light flashes on. Uh oh. Almost everyone deals with car trouble at some point or another, and no matter the situation, it’s a pain in the you-know-what. Fortunately, you can ease […]
Money Talks: Dealing With Financial Tensions in Your Relationship
Consider this: Your husband bought you both round trip tickets for a vacation in Mexico. The gift is an amazing surprise — but there’s no way you can afford it right now. Or maybe your partner purchased a new mattress for the guest bedroom. She said she got a great deal, and you have family […]
Know Your Loan Options: What Is a Jumbo Mortgage?
Have a growing family? Ready to move into your dream digs? Sounds like upgrading your home might be on your agenda. If you’re looking at an upscale property or simply one in an area of the country where the cost of living is high, chances are you might be considering a jumbo mortgage. A jumbo […]
