Finance Globe

How do you think the majority of wealthy Americans became financially secure? Did their parents leave them an inheritance? Did they win the lottery? Did they invent something the whole world needed? No, they developed a sound financial plan and invested their hard-earned money wisely. Saving is for short-term needsSimply putting your money into a bank savings account or CDs will allow you to save money for an emergency fund, a big family vacation, a down...

So, you’ve done all your research before buying a home. You’ve checked with mortgage lenders, you’ve improved your credit score, and you’ve paid off other debts. You’ve saved the required down payment and you know how much your house payment will be. You’re on the right track, but don’t forget to consider the additional costs of owning your home. Being aware of, and preparing for all those extras will make owning your home a rewarding experience....

If you’re thinking about buying a home, be sure to prepare for it long in advance; some may want to start working on their financial situation up to a year before home purchase. Improve your credit score.Your credit score will be a large factor in whether or not you can get a traditional loan, what rate of interest you’ll pay, and the minimum down payment required on your mortgage. A big improvement can be made in...

Buying a home is exciting! Many people view homeownership as having security, a stepping-stone to financial freedom. Some of the benefits to consider:Owning a home takes a lot of work, money, and commitment, but the rewards are very enriching. It’s easy to get caught up in the open houses and real estate ads without fully thinking it all through, so be sure that purchasing a home is what’s best for you in your current situation.Owning a...

The decision to rent or buy your home should be carefully considered. Many people who want to become homeowners simply state that they are tired of wasting money on rent so a landlord can profit from them, but there are many factors to consider before you make your decision to buy based only on financial reasons. Even the financial reasons should be carefully thought out and planned for; owning a home will cost a lot more...

Auto insurance, just like any other type of insurance, is meant to protect you against loss.You might consider yourself to be a good driver, but you can still be found at fault due to a technicality and be held financially responsible for an accident. States have required minimum liability coverage, but auto insurance, just like any other insurance, is not a one-size-fits-all. You might be tempted to just go with the state minimum to save on...

Why do you need life insurance and how much do you need?Life insurance is to provide your family with income in the event that you are no longer around to provide it. Generally, a person’s life insurance needs are low when they are just starting out with no dependents, increase as they become responsible for a family, and then later decrease again as children become adults and begin taking care of themselves. A single adult doesn’t...

Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck. We juggle our bills based on our next payday. We’d like to save money, but it seems there’s never anything left over to save. There’s only one way to ensure we have the required savings for future needs, and that’s to plan for it. By creating and adhering to a realistic, workable budget, we can designate a steady amount to go to our savings. Little by little, the savings will...

There are three important factors to consider in any type of savings or investment: 1) Safety – The protection against partial or total loss. Money deposited into a financial institution account, up to $100,000, is insured by the federal government against loss, by the FDIC for banks, and by the NCUA for credit unions. They will sport the appropriate sticker on their front window for all to see. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, municipal securities, and...

Saving money doesn’t mean being cheap. We all love luxury, quality, and convenience. We also love security and freedom. It’s smart to save money where it’s easy, so you can redirect that cash to areas where you’ll benefit most, possibly a much needed vacation, kid’s college education, a better house, and an enjoyable retirement. Being frugal isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about making smart financial decisions and getting the most for your money. Changing your spending...