Does it feel like your paycheck is gone the moment you get it? Here’s how to break that vicious cycle.
Are you stuck in the all-too-common habit of living paycheck to paycheck? You don’t need me to tell you that’s a self-defeating cycle. You simply can’t get ahead that way.
But escaping isn’t easy, especially if your paycheck is tight. Change involves not just the hard work of making a new habit, but also changing your ways of thinking.
If you’re feeling anxious about your financial health during these uncertain times, you’re not alone. That’s why the three national credit reporting agencies are giving people weekly access to monitor their credit report — for free.
It’s that time of year and my unofficial study of everyone I’ve ever known shows that 99.9% of New Year’s resolutions include money. Saving more, spending less, increasing earnings – most of us include some form of financial health as one of our goals for the New Year. ‘Getting my finances together’ is on everyone’s list, but often pushed down with every new list addition. Getting started is a daunting task, and many are intimidated to do so – but you don’t have to be a sophisticated investor to manage your finances.
Out-of-control debt has a way of taking over your life. High interest rates can cause your balances to climb higher each month, and the higher balances hurt your credit score, making it more difficult to obtain financing for important household expenses or personal needs. As the debt grows, so does your stress.
Your credit scores are prepared by FICO and other companies and are mainly based on your history of managing debts, such as whether you tend to make payments on time. Your scores play a significant role in your everyday life because the next time you apply for a loan or a credit card — or perhaps a new apartment or insurance —your scores could affect the final decision, including your costs.
If your debts have become unmanageable and you feel there is no other way out, you may be wondering if bankruptcy is your next best step. While it’s true that nobody wants to leave their financial fate in the hands of the courts, there are times when bankruptcy really is the only solution that can work. Keep reading to learn the basics of bankruptcy, how to file and what to keep in mind before you do.
Home prices are hitting record highs in many parts of the country, often selling for more than the asking price, and going from list to contract in a record 37 days, according to Redfin.
“We’ve never seen a faster or more competitive market,” says Redfin spokeswoman Rachel Musiker. “Basically this market isn’t for the faint of heart.”
Don’t make it even harder (or more expensive) for yourself by making these common mistakes:
Over the last decade, we have seen far too many data breaches put consumer information at risk. That most recent debacle was the Equifax data breach of 2017, which released the sensitive personal information of up to 143 million Americans to hackers and thieves.
You’ve probably dreamed of the day when you finally send in your last mortgage check and own your home free and clear.
Paying a little extra every month on your home loan is a way to make that dream a reality faster than you thought, and with today’s historically low savings rates, it could make more sense than ever.