Many people max out their housing budget, purchasing as much house as the bank will allow. There may be a benefit to buying a home that’s priced under what you can actually afford, even if it means buying a slightly smaller house than you initially intended. You’ll have a lower down payment. Mortgage down payments can be up to 20% of the home purchase price. Buying less house than you can afford means you don’t have...
Even though shopping is a necessary part of life, it’s still important to steer clear the mistakes that will hurt our wallets. Watch out especially for these five shopping mistakes Not shopping around. Never take for granted that the price you see posted is the price you have to pay, especially for big ticket items. Never underestimate the value of checking around for different prices. Even if you don't spot a better deal at least you can...
Self-employments has its rewards, but it also has some challenges. While you have a lot of freedom and flexibility in your schedule, you have to be disciplined to achieve results and ensure you can maintain that freedom. Building the right habits are key to long-term self-employment success. Do the most important things first. You might be tempted to log into your email or check your social media accounts at the start of your workday, but that may...
When you have an excellent credit score, the credit card world is your proverbial oyster. Not only do you have more credit card options, the options available to you include top-tier rewards credit cards. Your payment habits and impeccable credit management have earned a great credit score, make sure you choose a credit card that will help you maintain it. You’ll receive more credit card offers. Because you’re a person who can be trusted to repay...
Budgeting for expenses that come every month is tough enough. Working in those irregular expenses that come only a few times a year can be even tougher. Property taxes, car tag renewal fees, annual insurance premiums, and holiday spending are a few examples of expenses that don’t come around that often. But if you’re not prepared for them, these irregular expenses can wreck your budget. Here’s how you can keep that from happening. Know your irregular expenses...
A travel credit card, with all its available credit, seems like a great way to fund your vacation. You get to have a great time in a new place and postpone the burden of paying for it. Using your credit card for your vacation can be beneficial, just make sure it doesn’t even up costing you more in the long run. Use a travel credit card that will earn rewards. Large-ticket items like vacations are a...
If the income from your job isn’t cutting it or you’re looking for way to get ahead financially, adding a second income stream may be a solution. A second income stream, it’s from a second job, a money-making hobby, or a side business, can benefit you in more ways than one. It’s easier to afford your living expenses. More than 50% of Americans are spending at or above their income on living expenses, reports CNN. If...
Gas rewards credit cards can help you cut your transportation cost – a benefit you’ll especially enjoy if you have a long commute to work or you take frequent road trips. If you have a gas credit card or you’re considering getting one, here are some ways to maximize the rewards you earn on your card. Choose a branded gas credit card. Some gas credit cards are closed-loop, meaning they can only be used at a...
If you want to be better with your money and reach your financial goals, you must learn to be financially disciplined. Being disciplined will keep you from making mistakes like overdrafting your bank account and withdrawing from your savings and retirement funds. It will also help you make better financial decisions and achieve more financial success. Some people are naturally more disciplined. For everyone else, financial discipline is a habit that can be learned. Commit to specific...
Checking your credit score only once a year or when you’re about to apply for a major loan might not be enough. If you want to improve or even maintain your credit score, it’s better to check your credit score regularly. There are several benefits to checking your credit score often. You always know where your credit stands. Knowing your credit score is an essential part of your financial health. It’s just as important, for example,...
