While there's no shortage of budgeting applications available, current user rates suggest that many consumers find it difficult to choose the right one. Recent studies found that while around 45% of consumers use spreadsheets and calculators, only around 21% use budgeting applications.
As we step into a new year, it's a great time to reset, refocus, and look ahead with optimism. We hope the weeks ahead bring you and your loved ones good health, meaningful moments together, and plenty of reasons to feel hopeful about what's next.
You know credit scores are important, but you may be wondering how they are calculated and what the big deal is. This all-important number can be looked at for a multitude of reasons: when you get a job, lease an apartment, open a new account, or apply for a loan---including a home loan.
Before you go shopping for a new home, you'll want to ensure that you meet the credit score requirements to secure a mortgage loan. And while many factors go into qualifying, a good credit score is definitely one of them.
We know that getting "rated" can make you feel like you're back in school. Like in school, however, with a bit of hard work, discipline, and dedication, you can improve your credit scores quickly!
So let's jump right in, starting with the obvious.
It's true that credit is an important part of qualifying for a home loan, but it's not the end-all and be-all. Buying a home with no credit is possible---the process just takes a few extra steps. Those steps can depend on a few factors, including whether you have a cosigner, as well as the size of your down payment. They will also depend on what type of home loan you're pursuing.
The holiday season is here, bringing friends and family together to celebrate. Here's wishing you a festive season and a prosperous New Year.
Rising costs continue to make news as we close out the year, with everything from insurance premiums to groceries putting pressure on household budgets. Some food costs have even spiked significantly compared to last year. The job market has shown mixed signals as well, with unemployment edging higher even as monthly job gains continue.
The holiday season is jam-packed with parties, shopping, cooking, gift-giving, and obligations. With all this going on, you might assume that the festive season is the worst time to buy or sell real estate.
Mortgage rates have been a roller-coaster ride this year, leaving many homeowners wondering whether now is the right time to buy a home, refinance their existing mortgage, or simply stay put.
A quick mortgage review can help you uncover ways to save money, access cash, or position yourself for future financial goals, especially if you bought or refinanced in the past few years. Whether rates move up or down next, knowing where you stand puts you in control.
There’s no better time than now to start preparing for homeownership. If your financial goals include things like saving for retirement, paying off student loan debt, or buying a home, this article provides some solid financial planning advice that will get you headed in the right direction.
As an additional resource, you can also download our personal budgeting guide here. When you have a solid plan and set a budget for homeownership, you may find that you’re able to buy a home more quickly than expected.
The festive season is upon us! Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when many of us find ourselves buried in credit card debt. While we all want to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy moments with family and friends, overspending can quickly dampen our holiday spirit.
Our four-legged loved ones are always there to share in the merriment, and the holiday season is no exception. Unfortunately, their enthusiasm can sometimes lead to mischief and mayhem.
New year, new goals, right? When it comes to personal finances and goal-setting, creating financial goals can be one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself and your family.
It's tempting to go through open enrollment quickly, especially if you plan on keeping the same coverage for 2026. But it's also a great opportunity to take a closer look at any benefits you overlooked in previous years. Some could save you money. So, before you complete your benefits enrollment, carve out some extra time to review the year's finances and look for new savings.
The holiday season is quickly approaching, which means it’s time for big meals, family get-togethers, and festive decorations. During all the happy chaos, however, we also need to remember that it’s a season for giving.
November is a month for reflection and gratitude—and a great time to protect what matters most. In this issue, we're sharing tips to help keep your personal information secure, insights on rising health insurance costs for 2026, and a look at how technology is reshaping the job market. We'll also honor the history and meaning behind Veterans Day.
The VA home loan program is an amazing benefit for our deserving active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses of veterans. While no one could ever repay you for the sacrifices you’ve made, the VA home loan can make your dreams of homeownership just a little easier to achieve.
Obtaining a jumbo VA loan or a VA high balance loan, a type of government-backed home loan, provides several significant benefits for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses. While there isn’t technically a jumbo VA loan (all VA loans are treated similarly, regardless of loan amount), it’s common to think of the larger loans as “jumbo” or "high balance" for the sake of discussion.
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