In the News: Housing Market Trends for this Summer
Americans are buying Housing is off to a solid summer season. Sales of previously owned homes are at their highest level since November 2009 (and nearly 10 percent over one year ago). The percentage of foreclosure sales continues to shrink, further contributing to healthy price gains. For homes sold in April, the median number of… Read More
Why 0% APR Offers May Not be Good for Your Credit
Banks have rebounded from the recession, and now they’re looking for new customers. That’s why credit card offers promising 0% interest are flooding your mailbox. According to the Mintel Group, direct mail credit card solicitations increased by 18.5% in the first quarter of 2013 from the previous quarter. For consumers that carry a balance on… Read More
4 Tips for Using Your Credit Card Overseas
Traveling out of the country this summer? There are a lot of options when it comes to paying for your day-to-day expenses when it comes to traveling abroad. Cash? Travelers cheques? Credit cards? In many cases, paying with plastic—especially when it comes to big ticket items, like flights, hotels, and tours—may be your best bet…. Read More
4 Rules to Follow when Using a Cash Gift for a Down Payment
For many first-time home buyers, saving for a down payment can be a lofty challenge. But, for the lucky ones, a large cash gift from family, relatives, or friends may be the key to purchasing a dream home. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 25 percent of first-time home buyers use… Read More
Links We Love: Getting Ready for a Budget-Friendly Summer and More!
Taking a look at the best tips and advice from others on the web!
Why a Secured Credit Card May Be the Right Fit for You
It’s an annoying catch-22 for those starting out: most creditors want to see a good credit history before they’ll issue you a credit card, yet one of the main ways to build a credit history is to use credit cards responsibly. Some credit newbies build their credit history by piggybacking on a parent or spouse’s… Read More
When You Should Opt for Credit Over Debit
You’ve probably heard numerous financial experts say that you should always opt for debit over credit. Their reason? By only making purchases with your debit card (or cash), you don’t spend more than what’s in your bank account. While that’s true, if you’re financially responsible, using a credit card is often the wiser move. Here,… Read More
