Life'd

As teenagers approach adulthood, many parents see this as the perfect time to teach responsible money habits. They might open a bank account for their teens, or require that their teenagers get a part-time job. Both actions can teach kids the value of money, as well as teach them how to budget and save. Along with this financial education, some parents toy with whether to [...]

Getting engaged is an exciting time in your life, and like most couples, you may shout this news from the rooftop. Several things have to be discussed as you plan your upcoming nuptials. When will you get married? Where will you live? Will you have a big or small wedding? Who will pay the wedding expenses? If you’re fortunate enough, your parents may jump in and [...]

After deciding to sell your house, there is no way to predict how long it’ll take to find a buyer. Some houses are snatched up in a matter of weeks, while other houses sit on the market for six months or longer. A realtor can help speed the sale of your home. But if you don’t have a lot of equity, you might take a [...]

After a home seller accepts your bid and a mortgage lender approves your home loan application, you might jump for joy and prepare your mind for ownership. But while everything may seem to fall into place, the process isn’t complete until you sign the mortgage documents and take possession of your keys. It’s no surprise that mortgage lenders review income and credit before approving a [...]

Talking to your kids about credit cards might be the last thought on your mind. It might be years before they apply for their own credit, and if they’re a little older, you may assume they already know everything about credit. But ask yourself: How much did you know when you applied for your first account? A little? A lot? Absolutely nothing? Many people learn [...]

Establishing a credit history can be difficult and frustrating. It takes credit to build credit. But if you apply for a loan or credit card with no prior credit history, the bank may slam the door in your face. They rely on credit scores and credit reports to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a loan. If you have neither, you’re a risky applicant. [...]

You can’t drive by a bank or watch television without seeing advertisements for mortgage loans. With interest rates under 4%, and predicted to stay low for the next couple of years, now is one of the best times to apply for a mortgage loan. A low rate increases purchasing power if you’re looking to buy, and if you’re thinking about a refinance, a low rate [...]

When shopping for a new car, some people focus all their attention on negotiating the price, and they pay little attention to their interest rate. Getting a great deal on a car loan isn’t only about price. Sure, the final price of the car affects how much you pay each month. The interest rate, however, also plays a role in this equation. Even with the [...]

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might cringe at the thought of spending the next 30 years paying off a mortgage loan. This is a major commitment, but given the price of homes, there aren’t many other options. Some people pay cash for their homes and live mortgage-free. This isn’t reality for the majority of buyers, and if you’re looking to make a [...]

There isn’t a word to accurately describe the frustration of being chained to a house that you can’t sell. You might switch realtors for better results, make additional improvements to the house and even lower your asking price. But if your local housing market is at a standstill, or if you can’t compete with the massive number of short sales in your area, selling can [...]