finance Blog Articles
Just What are Interest Rates, Anyway?
by Chris Petry It seems you can’t go a day without hearing about interest rates. No matter where you look, there’s an article or a news report discussing the effects of interest rates on consumer spending, personal loans, and mortgages. Financial gurus like Suze Orman, Kevin Leary, Mark Cuban, and yes, even the figurehead of this fair brokerage, Warren Buffet are interviewed regular
Save Money Right Now
by Chris Petry We’ve all had the pleasure, or should I say displeasure, of visiting the grocery store several times in the last year. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, real food prices are up nearly 10% from where they were this time last year. The good news for homeowners is that home values are still quite high. What’s great for homeowners doesn&rs
2023 New Year’s Resolutions: Budgeting Your Money
If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to get a hold of your finances, now is a good time to check in and make sure you are on the right track to tackle your budget. Here are five tips on how to get ahead of your money-saving goals for 2023. Have a Goal Having a budget goal is the number one thing that will help you track your finances. You will be much more lik
Tips To Avoid Overspending This Holiday Season
Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to shift mental gears to the impending holiday shopping season. With so many deals before the holidays arrive, it is incredibly easy to go spend-crazy. But, what if you have financial goals like saving money or making a major purchase, you know, like buying a home, in the next year or so? What can you do to prevent yourself from splurging for the n
Tax Guide For Homeowners
OK, homeowners, tax season is here and you’ve got just over a month to take advantage of this year’s tax breaks. If you’re feeling a little in the dark about what you may qualify for and you’re ready to throw your hands up in frustration, instead, take a deep breath and read on. There are various deductions, credits and exclusions that homeowners may qualify for and it&rsqu
2022 Resolutions: Improve Your Credit
Is 2022 finally the year you push your credit score to Very Good? With the New Year finally here, it’s the perfect time to set goals and improve your credit score. With a few simple changes to your spending habits and payments, you can be well on your way to a better credit score in a couple of months! Here are some resolutions to help raise your credit score. Pay Bi
What you Need to Know about New Construction Loans
If you’re considering buying a home, you’ve likely thought about how you are going to finance that home. But what if you’re considering building a new home, instead of buying from a seller? Can you go through the mortgage approval process in the same way? Well, sometimes. New construction loans can be obtained by a home builder or buyer. If you’re building a home with a
How To Tackle Your Budget Goals in the New Year
If one of your New Year’s Resolutions was to get a hold of your finances, now is a good time to check-in and make sure you are on the right track to tackle your budget. Here are five tips on how to get ahead of your money-saving goals for 2021. Have a Goal Having a budget goal is the number one thing that will help you track your finances. You will be mu
What You Shouldn’t Do Right Before You Buy a Home
Deciding to purchase a home is a very exciting step to take! Now that you have gone through the necessary final steps, it’s still important to keep your finances in shape during contingency. Any big financial changes might lead to lenders reconsidering financing options before you close on your new home. Don’t Make Any Big Purchases When you are thinking about
New Year, New Home: How to Save for a Home this Year
Have you been dreaming of owning your own home or even upgrading the one you currently have? 2021 could be the year that you are finally able to purchase a new home! With a few simple steps and a little saving, you could be well on your way to move-in day. If home ownership is on your to-do list in 2021, follow these simple steps to save in the new year. Track spending and make a
