Repaying the Parent PLUS Loan
Parent PLUS loans can be a double-edged sword for many borrowers. While these loans fill in the gap between a student’s scholarship awards and financial aid to make college financially feasible, they can leave parents struggling financially, especially if those parents are still paying off their own student loans, making house payments and trying to […]
Best Bad Credit Student Loans of 2020
EDITOR’S NOTE: This list has been updated for 2020. EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to the recent events around COVID-19, explore and review benefits, potential impact, and all your options before applying for a student loan, and before applying to refinance your private and/or federal student loans. The article below is general in nature so please be […]
How to Pay Off a Mortgage Early
A mortgage may be the most positive kind of debt to have, but it’s still debt. Even worse, it’s debt secured by the house where you and your family live. All it takes is a single hardship like a job loss, death of a spouse or an accident that results in disability, and you may […]
Mortgage 101 Guide: What Is a Mortgage?
If you plan to buy a home and don’t have the cash to pay for it outright, then you need a mortgage. Lenders define mortgage as the money you borrow to pay for real estate. Whether you’re getting your first mortgage or want to refinance the loan you have, you can find specific mortgage assistance […]
Refinance Mortgage – Should I Refinance My Mortgage?
Refinancing a mortgage is one way to manage debt. When you refinance your mortgage, you pay off the original mortgage and get a new one in its place. The new loan has different terms and rates, which should help you pay off your home sooner or lower your monthly payments. You can refinance to get […]
What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan that allows you to turn a portion of your home’s equity into cash without requiring any monthly payments. Homeowners who need an additional source of income often turn to this option because it allows them to leverage the equity in their homes without having to […]
What Is a Second Mortgage?
If you want to finance a large purchase, pay for your child’s education or simply need an influx of cash, then you may want to consider getting a second home mortgage. A second mortgage is a subordinate mortgage you take using your home as collateral. You can receive this loan while you are still making […]
What Is Mortgage Insurance – Do I Need It?
Mortgage insurance is required of borrowers who don’t have a 20% down payment for a home. Mortgage protection insurance safeguards the lender if a borrower falls behind on mortgage payments. Insurance benefits buyers who don’t have a 20% down payment because the extra security it offers to lenders makes it easier to get a loan, […]
Mortgage Amortization Schedule Calculator
There are many terms and phrases associated with mortgages that make buying a home a confusing process. One such term is “mortgage amortization.” Simply put, mortgage amortization is the series of monthly payments that consist of your principal and interest. The amount of each payment you make that your lender applies to your principal balance […]
Find the Best Bad Credit Mortgage in 2016
When it comes to bad credit mortgage loans, your options are limited. That doesn’t mean you can’t still qualify for a mortgage with a decent interest rate. Mortgages from the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) are among the top options for borrowers with bad credit. Because these loans are insured through the FHA loan program, they […]
The Best Liability (Umbrella) Insurance in 2016
Liability insurance, also known as umbrella insurance, is a smart choice if you have a lot of assets you want to secure in case of a lawsuit. While initially this coverage may seem like something only the wealthy should pursue, the truth is that anyone can be the victim of a lawsuit. If you own […]
What Is the Difference Between Term and Whole Life Insurance?
When planning for your family’s financial future, purchasing life insurance is one way to protect them after your death. Your beneficiaries can use the life insurance benefits to pay funeral expenses, the mortgage and even for items like a college education or medical bills. As you review life insurance quotes, you may notice that the […]
The Best Renters Insurance for 2016
If you think you don’t need renters insurance, think again. Natural disasters and personal catastrophes happen everywhere. Even if your roommate is covered, you aren’t. Your landlord has coverage on the building and the property, but that coverage doesn’t extend to your belongings. In the blink of an eye, you can lose everything. Having renters […]
Disability Insurance Basics
Approximately one in five workers experiences an injury or illness that prevents him or her from being able to work for at least one year before the age of 65. Experts suggest that the risk of disability is higher than the risk of dying at a young age. So what would you do if something […]
Alternatives to Payday Loans When You Need Quick Cash
Payday loans have long been touted as a convenient way to get a few hundred dollars if you need money to tide you over until your next paycheck, but as many borrowers have come to find, these loans aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. High fees, exorbitant interest rates and a reputation for predatory […]
