Investing When Financial Times are Difficult
When times are tough and money's tight, one of the first things you may neglect is investing. That's also true when there's volatility in the stock market or when real estate prices seem to be dropping. People get frightened, and they don't want to take the risk. You don't have to stop investing, though. You just have to be more cautious.
Investing is a great way to build up a nest egg for the future. If you take the time to put money into
02/02/2012
02/01/2012
How to Pay Off a Mortgage Faster
How to Pay Off a Mortgage Faster
Owning a home is clearly number one on the wish list for many of us. However, owning a home outright is a close second. From a financial perspective, paying off your mortgage faster is a smart move.
Being mortgage-free allows you to decrease your monthly expenses dramatically and enables you to finally give your retirement, children's college fund, and day-to-day savings account the attention they deserve.
Throughout the first few years of your mortgage,
How to Buy the House of Your Dreams Even with a Low Credit Score
How to Buy the House of Your Dreams Even with a Low Credit Score
It's reassuring to know that the large sum of money you're putting towards your home each month is going towards an investment. And, if you're a renter, your money is certainly going towards an investment - your landlord's investment, that is!
If you're tired of paying someone else's mortgage, it's time to look into purchasing a home of your own. And, contrary to common belief, you don't need stellar credit in order to be
Managing Money 101: Creating and Using a Budget
Managing Money 101: Creating and Using a Budget
Even when the economy is good and you're living comfortably on the money you're making, it's a good idea to use a budget. Many people cringe when they hear that word, because they think it means you can't have any fun or spend any money. That's far from the truth. Even a tight budget leaves room for fun and a little extra spending from time to time.
When you plan a budget, you must be realistic about what you're spending and saving. Don't say
01/31/2012
The Hard Facts About Fixed and Variable Rate Mortgages
The Hard Facts About Fixed and Variable Rate Mortgages
In the realm of mortgages, a fixed rate mortgage is considered to be the perfect little princess. And, a variable rate mortgage is often thought of as the wicked stepsister. While variable mortgages can be detrimental to some, they can provide the most benefit for many others. The same logic applies to fixed rate mortgages.
Below, we'll cover the good, bad, and ugly on both sides of the fence.
Variable Rate Mortgage
Due to its
How to Have Fun on a Budget
How to Have Fun on a Budget
In a struggling economy, it can be hard to have a good time. The prices of everything keep going up, while your bank account dwindles.
You don't have to despair, though, and you don't have to stay home all the time, either! You can still go out and have a good time, even if you're on a tight budget. There are many activities to enjoy that are either cheap or free.
You can also find activities for both children and adults, so you won't be out of fun things to
01/30/2012
Inexpensive Ways to Beautify Your Bathroom
Inexpensive Ways to Beautify Your Bathroom
There are inexpensive ways to make your bathroom more beautiful even if you can't afford a full remodeling. These are some ideas for getting a new look on a small budget. They require little cash or home improvement skills, but will have a big impact on your bathroom.
Refresh Your Bathroom Tiles and Walls:
Give your old tiles back their shine. Even if your tiles look dingy, all they may need is a thorough cleaning and
Sneaky Expenses First Time Homebuyers Often Overlook
Sneaky Expenses First Time Homebuyers Often Overlook
First time homebuyers are often seen as frivolous buyers that base their home buying decisions solely on emotions. While this may be true for some, this cliché need not apply to you.
By doing your research and talking with the pros, you'll be able to prevent overlooking sneaky expenses. And, you'll be well on your path to being a financially prepared and educated homeowner.
If you're new to the home buying process, be ready for these
01/29/2012
Making Money in Your Spare Time
Making Money in Your Spare Time
Making money can be very difficult for some people. Even if you have a good job, you may not have enough to pay all of your bills and still have money left over. There's a way around that, though. You can make some extra money in your spare time.
You don't need to dedicate all your leisure time to making money, either. Just a few hours a week would be enough. You could use your evenings after dinner or a day on the weekend. It's not about getting rich or
Buying in Bulk
Buying in Bulk - Saving or Overspending?
Ah, the great debate. Is buying in bulk wasteful or efficient? Well, only you have the authority to determine which of the two extremes applies to your household. Contrary to common belief, there isn't a right or wrong way to go about buying in bulk. And, below, we'll cover each of the viewpoints on the subject.
Convenience
If you go to a big box store that offers near wholesale prices on large quantities, it's certainly appealing to simply pick
