*Field Required
Last month's Consumer Price Index (CPI) news was positive, as it showed that prices cooled to 2.9% last month (on a 12-month basis), down from 3% in June. This is the first time the CPI dipped beneath 3% since March 2021, and strongly suggests that the Federal Reserve will proceed with a rate cut later this month. Mortgage interest rates also show signs of falling, which has already encouraged some homeowners to refinance their existing mortgages.
A debt consolidation refinance may let you kill two birds with one stone. It can allow you to achieve a lower interest rate on your debt while streamlining all your monthly payments into one. You’ll essentially consolidate debt obligations and roll them into your mortgage, but at a much lower interest rate. The result is a single payment at a lower interest rate: your monthly mortgage payment.
Investment properties can be a great way to earn passive income while someone else (or a bunch of other people) pays your monthly mortgage. Home-share platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation rental websites have made it even easier for those who want to market their investment properties as short-term rentals.
Buying an investment property can be one of the keys to financial freedom and long-term wealth. Whether you want to enjoy rental income, tax benefits, or both, owning rental properties can help you achieve your goals quickly.
Sometimes we get by with a little help from our friends…or family.
There are many reasons someone may need help to qualify for a mortgage to buy a home. They may just be starting out and haven’t established a good credit history yet. Or perhaps they’re just getting out of a tough financial situation that they’re turning around.
If you prefer not to make major financial decisions during an election year, you're not alone. However, history shows that stock markets tend to rise slightly following an election, with no long-term difference in performance. Other positive financial news has appeared lately, such as a slowdown in the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) and an increase in the number of homes for sale. Also, an additional credit scoring method for home loans was recently approved by the FHFA, which is expected to help millions more potential homeowners achieve their dreams.
Tuition, books, transportation, room and board…the cost of college can add up fast. At first glance, it may seem crazy to consider buying a home for a college student, but is it?
Summer has officially begun, so it's a perfect time to take some time off and spend time with friends and family. If you have savings in place, check out our article on Compound Interest and see just how hard your money's working for you, even when you're not. Even though you may be camping indoors this month, don't feel guilty about going online and checking out future purchases. Research has found that this habit, aka dreamscrolling, can encourage better financial management habits.
REACH YOUR GOALS
Will ChatGPT Replace Your Investment Advisor?
Even though artificial intelligence (AI) already powers everything from thermostats to Netflix recommendations, it can't provide you with the services offered by a bank manager, CFP or financial advisor. However, AI is already improving your overall financial experience in ways you may not realize.
Buying a home can be an exhilarating experience. You’ll be hunting for your dream home, handpicking the perfect school district, and building generational wealth through real estate. That all sounds amazing, but the process to get there can undeniably have a few stressors.
It’s been three years since the last Summer Olympics, and excitement is building for the upcoming Games! Whether you’re a die-hard spectator or a casual observer, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Summer Olympics in style. So get ready to dive into the spirit of the Olympics with these fun and creative ideas!
Summer is here, the hectic end-of-the-year school activities have passed, and the school buses are parked for the next few months. This welcome change offers a perfect opportunity for families to unwind, relax, and make the most of their time together. If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids occupied while enjoying quality family time without breaking the bank, here are some fantastic ideas that everyone will love!
The American flag is viewed as a symbol of freedom, liberty, and human rights, but did you know that the current design is the 27th? It’s been modified officially 26 times since 1777, most recently by President Eisenhower in 1959 (officially adopted in 1960) with its current 50-star design. The current design is the longest-tenured, having been in use for more than 63 years.
If you're wondering how to make your money work harder for you, or want help with setting up investments and savings accounts, it could be time to find a financial advisor to help you. Here are some strategies to keep in mind.
Down payments can be one of the most daunting parts of the homebuying process. We all know that buying a home costs money! Thankfully, you don’t necessarily have to drain your savings account to come up with the sum. There are other ways to secure a down payment, including gift funds, grants, and down payment assistance programs.
The benefits of homeownership involve more than simply putting a roof over your head. The goal of buying a house will be less meaningful until you understand the actual value behind this investment. It isn’t just to achieve the “American dream”!
While our stock markets turned in a positive performance during the first quarter of the year, inflation remained stickier than was hoped, with numbers waning but still above the target set by the Federal Reserve. This kept mortgage interest rates higher, which resulted in declining home sales in some areas. However, the forecast for the second half of 2024 is largely optimistic. The labor market has begun cooling, which should help slow inflation, especially when consumer spending is reined in.
One of the great things about owning a home is that you can truly make it yours. Don’t like the carpet? Rip it out. Hate the tan walls? Paint them any color. Don’t like the wall between the living room and the kitchen? Tear it down…as long as it’s not a load-bearing wall!
