With home values rising, more Americans have equity in their homes. That has generated plenty of cheers from homeowners, and it’s also brought back the home equity line of credit as a popular option for the first time since before the Great Recession.Americans took out $23.4 billion in home … [Read more...] about Should you get a home equity loan? It may depend on the reason
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How to pay off your mortgage early
The mortgage-burning party may have gone the way of the rotary phone, but that doesn’t mean Americans don’t own their homes free and clear anymore. In fact, about 34% of homeowners in the United States no longer have a mortgage, according to U.S. Census data.The stories of people who pay off … [Read more...] about How to pay off your mortgage early
6 budget alternatives to a pricey hotel room
This post is by Cynthia J. Drake, author of Budget Travel for the Genius.Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean that you’re relegated to a fleabag motel that hasn’t seen a vacuum cleaner in years.On the contrary, with a bit of planning, you can be rewarded with some really unique experiences in … [Read more...] about 6 budget alternatives to a pricey hotel room
14 tips to make your home sell faster
The peak spring home-buying season is approaching, and you're ready to sell your home, the quicker the better. How can you make it happen?First, of course, you want to make sure your home looks its best. “Curb appeal is everything,” says Michael Mahon, general manager of HER Realtors in … [Read more...] about 14 tips to make your home sell faster
20 networking tips for building your career
Business networking is a useful life skill whether you work for yourself, are looking for a job or want to enhance a corporate career. Networking is about establishing relationships with people who can help you. These people include potential clients, influencers who will promote your business and … [Read more...] about 20 networking tips for building your career
How to find and hire a good contractor
For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself, it’s finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Installing kitchen cabinets, knocking down a wall or retiling the bathroom is simple compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor … [Read more...] about How to find and hire a good contractor
4 traps to avoid with credit card rewards
I love credit-card rewards. They're fairly easy to earn and they can give your budget a nice boost. I personally use my rewards for fun things I want, such as vacations or a new big screen TV. However, you can easily get caught up in the rewards game and end up paying more money in interest and fees … [Read more...] about 4 traps to avoid with credit card rewards
Which type of rewards credit card is right for you?
Chances are you're confused with all of the different types of rewards credit cards out there today, especially if you're looking for your first card. No worries. These cards can be broken down into a few different categories.At least one of these types will fit your lifestyle perfectly. Let's … [Read more...] about Which type of rewards credit card is right for you?
When is it OK to take money from retirement accounts?
Money is really tight, and you’re struggling just to survive. Then you remember that you’ve got tens of thousands of dollars in your retirement accounts. Can’t you somehow access that cash? The short answer is yes. But should you? Probably not. “If they’re going to do so, they really should be … [Read more...] about When is it OK to take money from retirement accounts?
How to decide whether to get a home-equity loan
With home values rising, more Americans have equity in their homes. That has generated plenty of cheers from homeowners, and it has also brought back the home equity line of credit as a popular option for the first time since before the Great Recession.Americans took out $23.4 billion in home … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to get a home-equity loan
How to choose a travel rewards credit card
For years, I've had a credit card affiliated with Delta Airlines and been happy with it. Each year, I earned thousands of frequent flier miles and a free companion certificate (basically a FREE ticket). Plus, I could check one bag per person in my party for free when flying and received discounts on … [Read more...] about How to choose a travel rewards credit card
When it pays to refinance your mortgage
Mortgage rates have been hovering near historic lows for five years. While the current average rate of 4.19% for a fixed, 30-year mortgage is not the lowest it has ever been – that was 3.35% in December 2012 – it’s still lower than at any time between 2010 and 1971, when Freddie Mac started keeping … [Read more...] about When it pays to refinance your mortgage
14 moves to get your home sold faster
The peak home buying season is over, but you still want to sell your house before the first snow falls. Even in a slow season, there are steps you can take to sell your home quickly. How can you make it happen?First, of course, you want to make sure your home looks its best. “Curb appeal is … [Read more...] about 14 moves to get your home sold faster
Considering a reverse mortgage? Ask these questions
The TV pitchmen make it sound like the easiest thing: Use your home equity to finance your retirement through a reverse mortgage, and stay in your home without ever making a payment. What they forget to mention is a reverse mortgage is not nearly that simple. While it is a great way for some older … [Read more...] about Considering a reverse mortgage? Ask these questions
18 ways to get free stuff
You don’t have to pay a cent to feel like a valued customer or boost your buying power. Getting freebies is as easy as going online, joining a loyalty program, or, in some cases, simply walking into a business and asking for a service. Here are some freebies you may have overlooked.Ease your … [Read more...] about 18 ways to get free stuff
