Congrats on saving up for that down payment! And hats off for committing to mortgage payments, homeowners insurance and property taxes. Now for your reward: home sweet, sparsely furnished home. Furniture shopping may be the last thing you want to do, but it may be necessary if you moved into a bigger space or parted [...]
You may have been avoiding the world of credit because you don’t want one more thing to worry about. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking these baby steps can help you build a good credit score. Know where you stand You may be surprised to know you already have a credit score or [...]
Two-thirds of Americans use mobile or online banking as their main way to access their accounts. If you belong to that group, chances are you lean heavily on a smartphone or computer to pull up your bank information. But both gadgets also happen to be popular targets for online fraudsters itching to infiltrate your accounts. [...]
When gas prices spike, drivers love to swap gas-saving tips. The crazier the tip, the faster it seems to spread. The problem is, some such “tips” are more urban legend than fact. Others might have been true back in the day, but improved automotive technology has erased any real benefit. Keep in mind that, over [...]
Life is expensive: Find yourself in need of an ambulance, tow truck or mechanic, and a hefty bill will likely follow. And many people just can’t pay. Forty-four percent of adults say they either couldn’t pay an emergency expense of $400 or would have to sell something or borrow money to cover the cost, according to [...]
The Trump administration is giving student loan borrowers who missed out on public service loan forgiveness a second chance, and they should move now to prepare. The recently passed $1.3 trillion federal spending plan sets aside $350 million to forgive student debts owed by borrowers who met all the conditions needed to qualify for the Public Service Loan [...]
Retailers such as Target and Amazon are embracing mobile applications to help consumers save money and time with features like digital wallets and augmented reality. When used strategically, apps can streamline in-store trips and online purchases, but shoppers could also find that convenience comes with a risk: impulsive decisions and overspending. “Now shopping can be [...]
Saving money for the holidays doesn’t have to be difficult, but you’ll want to start now to maximize your bank balance. Start with these simple steps today, and you could be as much as $1,000 richer before the end of the year. Wipe out bank fees Many banks charge you $10 to $12 a month [...]
American consumer debt has rebounded to prerecession levels, and the category that includes credit cards hit a record $1.02 trillion this summer. Maybe your credit card debt has crept up too, setting your own personal record. It makes sense to pay particular attention to your credit cards, because their interest rates are typically higher than [...]
Memorable vacations can come with a price tag you'd rather forget. But with proper planning, smart research and a flexible attitude, you can travel cheaply and still have an experience worth remembering. Here's how. 1. Cut transportation costs Before planning your trip, have a rough budget in mind. A vacation calculator can help. If you [...]
