Interest
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Budgeting
The Best Savings Opportunities in 2020
When we entered 2019 one year ago, businesses and consumers, alike, were concerned about the economy. During that time, trade relations between the US and China escalated. In addition, the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates several times in 2018, with more increases planned for 2019. Just as importantly, the stock market plummeted and reached alarming lows. However, one year later,…
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Home Buying
Does the Low PennyMac Payment Make This Mortgage Worth It?
Unemployment is currently at historically low levels, and the US economy is performing very strongly. Because of this, many analysts and aspiring homeowners expect the housing market to pick up, even more so after the Federal Reserve recently cut interest levels. Is this a good time to buy? The Bank of America mortgage rates, as an example, are notably going…
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Loans
A Business Loan vs. Grant: Which One?
When looking for solutions, every business owner and entrepreneur knows that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each entity is unique, and their approach depends on their industry, size, business model, location, and structure. However, every company needs capital and funding in order to grow. Some firms are able to qualify for a private or federal small business grant. Others, meanwhile,…
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Banking
Crypto Alternatives for Everyday Savings Tools
Remember when interest rates used to be high? Gone are the days of earning ten percent or more on a short-term certificate of deposit. Savers have long been high and dry when it comes to profitable places to stash their cash, while interest rates have been at rock bottom for years and other investments were too risky to keep savings…
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Loans
SOFR: How Your Current Student Loan Rates Might Change
On a typical day, banks lend money to customers who want to buy a home, purchase a car, and/or find the best student loan rates. After their doors close, however, banking firms will also borrow money from investors and government entities. In turn, they use those funds for daily operations, to pay back depositors, and continue to issue loans to…
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Loans
Cash Out Refinancing Strategy
Searching for extra cash to take a vacation, invest with, or make home improvements can create nerves. Being too eager to take cash from your assets could put you in a vulnerable position. If you own a home and have some equity in the property, creative refinancing strategies exist that could be preferable to personal loans or credit card usage.…
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Banking
How the New Banking Rules Make It Easier to Get a Loan
In 2010, then President Barack Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Act into law. After the financial crisis, many banks had to maintain a certain amount of liquid assets. If any loanees default, these institutions would still have enough funds to pay their depositors back and honor other financial obligations. Just as importantly, firms had to report their finances to the federal…
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Loans
The College Freshman’s Guide to FAFSA
Making the decision to go to college is already a scary one, and the weight of finding a way to pay for it can be even more frightening. Fortunately, the government provides you with some sort of solution, even if it means repaying with your first born child. FAFSA is Federal Student Aid, which comes in the form of grants…
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Auto
The Fed’s Rate Cuts and Your Interest Payments
On July 31st, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates for the first time in over ten years. In fact, the United States’ central bank has been increasing borrowing costs for a while. On December 1st, 2015, rates were only 0.25%. This allowed consumers to take advantage of low interest credit card, mortgage, and auto loan payments. Three years later, by…
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Investing
Hold Off on Additional Mortgage Payments
An investment in your home will be the biggest expense in your lifetime. When you get extra cash, it can be tempting to pay down your mortgage to get rid of monthly payments as soon as possible. While the motivation is understandable, it is a mistake. If you have an interest in your financial well-being, the extra money can be…
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