Buying a short-sale home is appealing for one big reason – you're probably going to get a smoking deal because the bank has agreed to sell the house for less than what the owner owes. But before you jump in, take off those rose-colored glasses and make sure you're not making any of these big buyer mistakes. Running Out of Time A short-sale takes a ...
If you don't already have a money market account, you may think it sounds like something mysterious and complicated. What are money market accounts, anyway? Well, we're going to break it down for you. And don't worry, they're not mysterious or complicated, and they can have tremendous benefits for consumers for the long haul. Money Market Accounts ...
Identity fraud and data breaches are so commonplace now, we need to be careful with our personal information. Did you know there are especially risky places to use a debit card? And that cash comes out of your account right away. Protect your checking account by using your credit card instead of your debit card in these spots: The Internet We often...
You may swipe your debit card daily, but how much do you know about it? Learn some debit card facts to spend wisely! Spend Smarter with These Surprising Debit Card Facts Millions of Americans use their debit cards every day, but not everyone knows exactly how this high-tech payment works. Swipe your card, and data transmit rapidly from merchant to ...
FAFSA forms may seem like a headache, but filing your paperwork could save you a bundle for college! Learn our best FAFSA tips in our student guide. FAFSA Tips to Help Fund Your Studies College-bound students across the country have a lot to juggle, but your FAFSA is one form that you don't want to forget! Filing your FAFSA form, or Free Applicatio...
Learning how to balance a checkbook may seem daunting, but it's actually a simple process that can save you tons of stress down the line. With simple calculations and a little planning, you can learn how to manage your money like a pro! Read our best tips and tricks below.
When dealing with any type of payment, it's important to keep good records. While credit card bills showcase an itemized list of your expenses, it's easy to lose track of your checkbook expenses if you don't keep your own notes. Balancing a checkbook helps you keep a running tally of all your transactions, so you can effectively budget and avoid bounced checks.
There are many ways to record your transactions. Each checkbook comes with a little notebook that's designed to record your expenses, along with the date and description of each payment. If you don't have this slip handy, feel free to make your own! Use a notebook, graph paper, or print out your own customized forms.
While credit cards are widely used around the globe, credit cards are also frequently misunderstood. Many myths persist about this common form of payment, so it's good to refresh your knowledge from time to time. That's why we are presenting our top credit card tips for savvy spending. Learn all about credit card basics, so you can shop wisely!
A credit card can help you build credit, as long as you use it responsibly. Be sure to check your credit score periodically to find out the state of your finances. There are plenty of online resources to check your score for free. You can also get a copy of your credit report in person to double check the accuracy. However, be careful about checking your score too often. This can deter potential lenders from working with you. If you pay your bills on time and avoid overdrawing your account, you're on your way to a great credit history!
When it comes to credit cards, more isn't more. We recommend starting with just one card with a low limit to establish a positive credit history. Examine your bills for accuracy and pay off the total balance every month. You may find it helpful to create a budget to spend within your means. Not only will you avoid depleting your bank account, but you'll also keep your credit score in good standing. If you need to get a new credit card, do your homework! Read the fine print carefully, because the terms may differ from your current lender. And consider negotiating for a better interest rate. While this doesn't work for every company, it doesn't hurt to ask!
Not all savings accounts are created equally! Before setting up your account, consider is your age. In this piece, you'll find out the best savings accounts for every stage of life. Read on for more information about savvy saving!
As parents, you can teach your kids about the importance of money management from a young age. Check with your bank about special savings accounts for toddlers to teens. These accounts are typically free or low-cost, but they require a parent to open the account. This can be a great place to start an automatic savings plan for your children, so they can see their money grow over time. Not only is this a valuable financial strategy, but a wise educational opportunity as well!
Young adults are more tech-savvy than ever before, so an online savings account can be a great way to streamline the financial process. When you have an online savings account, there's no need to drive to the bank every time you want to make a transaction. Plus, many online banks have lower overhead, which benefits the customer in the form of lower costs and maintenance fees. These conveniences can make the saving process a lot easier.
So, you've found the perfect piece of real estate to make all your dreams come true. While this should be a time for celebration, just one simple number can change your entire future. Just what is a good credit score for a getting a mortgage? The answer may surprise you. In the past, a 720 credit score would open doors all over town. Now, the best rates only unlock for credit scores of 740 or higher! Read on for our advice to potential homeowners, and you'll have that key in your hand in no time at all!
Do you really know your credit score? It's a good idea to check every year to stay on top of your finances, and you can even check it online for free. Unexpected expenses can have a major impact on your score, even if you have a history of good credit. What about that broken water heater that maxed out your card? What about that delayed credit card payment? Take an honest inventory of your situation to make the best decisions possible.
Teaming up for a big investment can be a great idea for a driven duo, but be sure that you know your partner well. You could have a sky-high income level with decades of terrific credit, but if you co-sign with the wrong person, your credit score can take a hit. Parents should be particularly mindful of this while co-signing auto loans or other major investments with children, who are less financially established. Sometimes the risk is well worth the investment, but be very careful when dealing with imbalanced partnerships. Instead, you may suggest a cash advance or other personal loan service from CashMax.
Between paper checks and mobile apps, there are a lot of different ways to make a transaction these days. However, it's important to stay up-to-date to the latest check fraud threats to help protect your bank account. While the dangers of theft and counterfeiting may seem overwhelming, a little knowledge can go a long way to protect you against problems down the line. In this guide, we go through some of the most common types of check fraud and how to protect yourself against them.
How safe is your checkbook? Sure, you may keep it tucked in your purse or work desk, but is that really secure? We recommend being extra careful with blank checks, bank statements, and canceled checks. Consider placing them in a safe or locked drawer for extra security. If you have any old checkbooks or statements that you don't need, shred them! And stay on top of mail collection. Thieves may target neglected mailboxes for financial documents.
If you encounter a situation that's just a little too good to be true, trust your gut. Scammers target their victims with elaborate stories to steal money with minimal effort. Be wary of anyone who promises to send lottery money to your home, especially if you didn't buy a ticket! These scammers typically ask for a money wire in exchange for riches that will never arrive. Talk to your bank if you receive such an offer. They can confirm the validity of your earnings or report the scammer to the proper authorities.
