Here’s how to max your savings at Aldi
My husband (Mr. Wealthy Nickel) tracks all of our expenses and categorizes them. When he forces me to look at our finances (not my preferred activity) I can admire the colored graphs and pie charts […]
Top 30 states with mortgage foreclosures for March
Despite the economic fallout and job loss from the pandemic, the number of U.S. properties with foreclosure filings in March was 11,880, down 75% from last year, according to ATTOM Data Solutions. This is likely thanks […]
Got a side hustle? Here’s how to avoid costly mistakes
If you’re thinking of starting a side hustle, you’re in good company. According to a survey by VistaPrint, 27% of respondents reported having a side gig. Whether you’re a college student or a retiree, earning extra […]
19 ways to use your tax refund to build wealth
For the fiscal year 2019, the IRS issued over $452 billion in tax refunds to nearly 122 million Americans. Who largely spent it on passing pleasures rather than investing toward improving their lives long term. With tax […]
A guide to lender-paid mortgage insurance
Homebuyers have a variety of conventional mortgages to choose from. The element most have in common is private mortgage insurance—usually required when the down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value. In some situations, […]
New analysis reveals real impact of COVID-19 on small businesses
QuickBooks commissioned economist Susan Woodward to uncover how COVID-19 has affected the finances of small businesses throughout the U.S.1 Woodward’s analysis uses net bank deposits — in other words, how much money is going into […]
Do you live in a state with a rude-driver problem?
For many, the experience of driving creates a feeling of anonymity. Protected inside the pod-like confines of our car, we may begin viewing the world outside as an observer, rather than as a participant. This […]
The best & worst states for buying a home right now
With interest rates at an all-time low, more Americans are looking to buy a home this year. Whether you’re shopping for your first home, upgrading, or moving to a new city, it’s important to be […]
How often can you refinance your home?
Other than possible lender-imposed waiting periods after a mortgage loan closes, you can refi as many times as your heart desires. But you’ll want to crunch numbers and think about more than interest rates. Homeowners […]
6 easy ways to be happier & more successful
Believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything! The sky is the limit! I’m sure you’ve heard these platitudes often in your life. You’ve probably been told, as I have, that if you just believe, […]
48 surprising things your HOA can ban
When you’re buying a home, you’re probably thinking more about finding a good real estate agent, closing costs and home inspections than inquiring about a homeowners association (HOA) in the area. HOAs exist to create and maintain added community value […]
Buying a new home? Don’t forget to negotiate these items
When buying a home, you are expected to negotiate throughout the process, from negotiating with your agent for a home buyer rebate to negotiating closing costs after an inspection. Although it is currently a seller’s market, which means […]
How much does physician assistant (PA) school cost?
A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional in a career that comes with plenty of responsibilities. As the American Academy of PAs describes them, these responsibilities include: Diagnosing illnesses Developing and overseeing treatment plans […]
A beginner’s guide to cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency may seem mysterious, but there’s nothing to be confused by here. This beginner’s guide to cryptocurrency will break down everything you need to know to start investing in this truly 21st-century asset class. What […]
10 smart money moves to make this summer
It’s almost summer! Before you grab your bags and head out for some fun in the sun, take some time to make some of these money moves to ensure your finances are in tip-top shape. […]
Common money mistakes to avoid fresh out of college
Congratulations! You graduated from college and landed your first job! It’s an exciting and scary new chapter all rolled in one. You’ll be making some serious money for the first time in your life, but […]
Tips when shopping for a mortgage
Shopping for a car: fun, freeing and full of fresh new smells. Shopping for a puppy: heartwarming and full of suspicious smells. Shopping for a mortgage: not particularly thrilling or fragrant but one of the […]
Where to get a student loan for college
With the rising price of tuition, fees, room and board at four-year public colleges and private nonprofit institutions, more students in all income brackets have been taking out loans. The options are pretty straightforward. Students […]
8 ways to bulletproof your small business with insurance
Financial losses from a product defect, data breach, serious illness or work-related automobile accident can force business owners to close their doors if they’re not prepared. The cost of an unexpected event can be substantial. Hiscox quotes a […]
Beginner’s guide to crypto trading bots
Crypto trading bots are just what they sound like: programmable, virtual robots that make automatic trades. A human trader can program a trading bot to follow certain rules and execute particular trading strategies. A bot […]
Need to take a weekend job? These are actually fun
Sometimes, even a full-time job doesn’t provide enough income to reach your financial goals. Whether you’re saving for a large purchase, aiming to put money aside for emergencies, or just trying to make ends meet, […]
Are you a remote worker? It could affect your taxes this year
Since the coronavirus pandemic began nearly a year ago, an unprecedented number of people have started working from home. No longer just for the lucky individual, working from home became a company-wide necessity in some […]
Crucial red flags to avoid when you choose a financial advisor
Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme stole over $65 billion from 11,000 investors. These were successful individuals and institutions with millions to invest, so how did they all miss the signs that Madoff, who died on April […]
Your 12-week checklist for selling your home
Nationwide, the best time to sell your house is the first half of May, according to Zillow. That’s when you’re likely to get the highest offer in the least amount of time. That means now is […]
How are student loans disbursed?
A college education almost always costs more than families initially think it will, when everything is accounted for, so most students take out loans. The loan money is sent to the attending college, placed in […]
What is a good mortgage rate?
Because your interest rate is the cost you pay to borrow money, it makes sense that you’ll want to strive to get the lowest rate possible. Even a slight difference can significantly affect the amount […]
Unusual side hustles we’re betting you’ve never heard of
By now you’re probably pretty familiar with all the mainstream side hustles out there, like becoming a delivery-partner with Uber or delivering food with DoorDash. But if you’re in need of some extra cash and none of the […]
Is long-term care insurance worth it? Here’s how to tell
Determining whether long-term care insurance is worth buying now, later, or not all depends on a number of factors, including: Your age Your health Your financial situation Below are hypothetical scenarios demonstrating how these factors can […]
What is mortgage amortization?
If you’re looking into getting a mortgage for the first time, congratulations! You’re about to embark on a brave new adventure in adulthood. Like most adventures, it comes with some highs and some lows. One […]
These side hustles could actually become lucrative businesses
Side hustles are the big thing for young professionals and experienced workers alike. While you can only budget so much, your earning potential is unlimited with a side hustle. Whether you’re looking to start a […]