Guide to first-time homebuyer assistance programs in Kentucky
The housing market is booming in the Bluegrass State. According to Redfin, the median home price in Kentucky went from $219,800 in April 2021 to nearly $250,000 in April 2022 — a 13% […]
A first-time homebuyer’s guide to Arizona
First-time homebuyers in Arizona are facing many of the same challenges as buyers across the rest of the country. Thanks to high prices, low Inventory, and fierce competition from outside investors and cash buyers, […]
Illinois first-time homebuyer programs
Thanks to high prices, low Inventory, and fierce competition from outside investors and cash buyers, diving into a strong seller’s market as a first-time buyer in Illinois can be daunting. According to Redfin, […]
How to find the best mortgage rates in Hawaii as a first-time homebuyer
Owning a home in Hawaii is a dream shared by many islanders (and people around the world who hope to be islanders someday). But it can be a struggle for some to make that […]
6 ways to protect your money from inflation
Inflation has been squeezing — and infuriating — U.S. consumers for a long time now. What began as an annoyance (an extra pinch at the gas pump and the grocery store) has turned into a […]
Should you have a weekly budget? Here are the pros & cons
No matter what your financial goals might be — paying down student loans, saving for a new car or house, or just getting a better grip on spending — using the right budget strategy could […]
Can this strategy help you save money on your mortgage?
If you’re shopping for a home loan, you may be wondering if using mortgage points to “buy down” your interest rate is a good move for you. The answer is … it’s complicated. Whether you’re […]
You may be surprised by how much you can take out in personal loans
If you’re preparing to make a major purchase, do some home improvements, or consolidate debt, you might be wondering how much you can borrow with a personal loan. Personal loans can come in small and […]
Looking for home sweet home? You may have more options than you think
If someone asked you to describe your “dream home,” what picture would pop into your mind? A single-family home with a big backyard, or a high-rise condo with a view? Maybe you’ve always longed […]
Does your state have the highest average student loan debt?
There’s no question that furthering your education can be an expensive endeavor. Almost a third of all American students take on some level of debt to go to college, according to the Federal Reserve. […]
These 12 staging tips could help you sell your home
If you want to sell your home faster and for the highest possible price, you may find that it helps to thoughtfully stage it with potential buyers in mind. Even in a hot real estate […]
What happens to a car loan when someone dies?
Probably the last thing on most car buyers’ minds when they walk into a dealership is the thought that they might die before they manage to fully pay off their loan. A car loan is […]
Is interest on your car loan tax deductible?
Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about […]
5 companies that offer credit card pre-approval
Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about […]
Pros & cons of buying a starter home
Young people and professionals who are just starting out often opt to first buy a modest home at an affordable price. It sounds like a good move, but it helps to look at buying a […]
6 ways to organize your bills
Making sure all of your bills are paid on time every month can be a tedious and time-consuming task. But it’s also an important one. Consistently paying your bills on schedule can help […]
A guide to getting through financial hardship
If you’re suffering through a period of financial hardship—whether it was caused by a loss of income, a medical emergency or some other challenging situation—you’re not alone. Approximately 64% of Americans currently report feeling stressed […]
How to negotiate medical bills
Facing a staggering medical bill can feel overwhelming, but if you find yourself struggling to pay, don’t give up hope. You may be able to work with the hospital, doctor, ambulance service or other healthcare […]
Strategies to lower your energy bill when working from home
One of the obvious perks of working from home is the opportunity to cut some expenses. If you’re no longer commuting every day, cooking more instead of grabbing meals out, or spending less on your […]
Should you ever use your 401(k) to pay down debt?
You have debt. But you’ve also got a stash of cash in your 401(k). If you’re feeling overwhelmed by high-interest credit card balances, a student loan, and/or an auto loan, you might think taking money out […]
4 financial new year’s resolutions your future self will thank you for
You can usually guess someone’s New Year’s resolution because it often involves losing weight, getting into better shape or cooking more nutritious meals. Look, we’re not trying to throw shade. If those are […]
How to plan the ultimate debt payoff strategy
Debt often has a negative connotation, but there are plenty of good reasons to have it — for example, using student loans to increase your earning potential, funding an entrepreneurial venture with a small-business […]
3 common debt payoff strategies
In the U.S., debt is a reality for many Americans. According to the Federal Reserve’s most recent report, our total national household debt is $13.95 trillion. That’s a lot of student loans, car loans, mortgages and […]
Can you get your Sallie Mae loans forgiven?
The reality is that Sallie Mae student loans aren’t likely to evaporate into thin air. That’s because Sallie Mae is a private lender now. And despite what you may have heard — or hoped for […]
Should I pay off debt before buying a house?
Ready to buy your own home? There’s a lot to consider, especially if this is your first time applying for a mortgage and you’re carrying debt. Debt is not necessarily a dealbreaker by any means. […]
Pros & cons of using a debit card online
These days, debit cards are accepted almost everywhere credit cards are accepted, both in-person and online. And that can be a game-changer for consumers who are trying to control their spending. Unlike credit cards, which […]
Can you lose your house with a reverse mortgage?
For older Americans who may find they need more money in retirement, using a reverse mortgage to convert some of their home’s equity into cash can be an intriguing idea. Thanks to protections the U.S. Department of […]
The facts about getting audited
Filing your taxes can be challenging enough for the average American taxpayer. (Especially if you ended last year owing to some money to Uncle Sam.) But throw in the possibility that the Internal Revenue Service […]
Where is my tax refund?
It can be tough to tamp down your impatience while you’re waiting on an income tax refund, especially if you have plans for the money. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) knows this, which is why the agency […]
Popular monthly dividend stocks
You might not guess it from the way many investors base their mood on the day-to-day movements of the stock market, but for most people, an investment account represents money that’s being put away for the long […]