Personal Insights

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Home

Keys to a Competitive Home Offer

First-time buyers in a hot real estate market must present a strong offer in multi-bid situations. Here are some tips for buying a home in a competitive market.
Price isn't the sole deciding factor in a multi-bid situation.
Credit

Are You Paying Too Much in Credit Card Fees?

With interest rates rising, it's more important than ever to evaluate the fees you're paying on your credit cards.
The option with the lowest fee isn't always the best deal. You'll need to weigh your card's cost against its benefits.
Home

What You Need to Qualify and Apply for a Mortgage

This application checklist will show you how to qualify for a mortgage and get you to closing faster.
With a little organization, the mortgage application paperwork isn't nearly as daunting as it seems.
Security

How to Spot Student Loan Scams

Do you know how to identify a student loan forgiveness scam? Here's how to protect yourself.
There are legitimate loan forgiveness programs available, and student loan borrowers should know how such programs work so they can recognize student loan scams.
Debt

Do You Know How to Get a Personal Loan?

Here's the information you'll need to apply for a personal loan.
As long as you use it responsibly, getting a personal loan can help strengthen your finances and prepare you for financial success down the road.
Credit

Can You Build Credit With a Store Card?

A store card can be helpful for repairing credit, but there's a catch.
It's important to have realistic expectations about what responsible use of a store card can accomplish.
Credit

Wonder What Those Credit Card Fees Are on Your Bill?

No one likes surprise charges. Understand common credit fees before you use your card.
Many credit cards charge a fee each year just to have the card.
Budgeting

War, Inflation and Interest Rates: Things You Can Do for Your Finances

You can take steps to protect your finances when the news is bad.
History makes it clear that the market turbulence of early 2022 is not a rare thing. Neither is a subsequent recovery.
Career

Protect Yourself From Online Job Scams

Learn how scammers are targeting job boards and how to protect yourself during your job search.
If an employer is legitimate, they won't be shy about providing information you request.
Taxes

Finding Tax Deductions When Working Remotely

Find out what tax breaks exist to offset the costs of working from home, and if you qualify.
If you think you might be eligible for any work-from-home tax deductions, keep track of your expenses and receipts during the year.
Budgeting

The Benefits of Saving Your Tax Refund

If you're getting a tax refund this year, consider saving instead of spending it the first chance you get. Here's why.
Here's a few options you might want to consider if you’re getting a tax refund this year.
Banking

What's the Best Way to Send Money Online?

Learn the best methods for sending money digitally in different situations.
Given how much of life takes place in the digital sphere, it's worth knowing how to transfer money from one bank to another online.
Debt

Understand How Car Loans Work Before You Step Into a Dealership

Know your financing options before buying your next car.
Crunching the numbers ahead of time will put you in the driver's seat of car-buying negotiations.
Credit

What You Need to Know About Your First Credit Card

Are you applying for your first credit card? Get ready by learning the basics of using a card.
Some cards offer rewards, such as cash back, merchandise, gift cards or airline miles.
Budgeting

Here's How to Save When You Live on a Budget

You can still free up cash even when you're on a budget. Use some of the best ways to save money so you can get on track.
Create a plan that puts you on track toward the future you want.
College

Understanding Your FAFSA EFC Number

The FAFSA EFC number is calculated based on your family's income and assets.
The federal government and colleges use the EFC to decide which types of student aid you're eligible for and how much aid you receive.

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