Pocono Jack
“Sure, just charge it to my credit card.” It’s a phrase we say at stores and restaurants from time to time, especially when we’re making unplanned or big purchases. Credit cards are convenient and common among most adults, but unless you use one carefully, you could find yourself in financial trouble. Here are some tips to help ensure you use credit cards wisely:
Charge ResponsiblyCredit cards and frivolous spending can be a recipe for financial disaster; too many impulse buys could add up quic...
To stop a criminal from using your personal information to open a credit card in your name, start by preventing lenders from checking your credit unless you first unfreeze your information.
Even if you have poor credit—or are low on savings—protecting your credit from identity theft by taking advantage of a free credit freeze is a good idea.
Thieves can steal your personal information (i.e., Social Security number, driver’s license number and birth date) and create new identities to fraudulentl...
Everybody blows a little money now and then, but some people make it a habit. To help you take control of your finances and keep more cash on hand, financial advisors suggest diligently avoiding these six common money mistakes:
1. Keeping up with friends. One way to get into financial trouble is trying to match someone else’s lifestyle. Sticking to a budget may mean missing out on a few indulgences, but the upside is a manageable credit card bill you can pay off in 30 days without paying intere...
According to the most recent Generational Trends report from the National Association of REALTORS®, Millennials currently make up the majority of home buyers, with Gen Z waiting in the wings as the next generation of first-time home buyers. Both cohorts hold overwhelmingly positive attitudes toward homeownership as a major life goal. The main reason given for their home purchases? “It was just the right time to buy.”
How do you know if it’s time to buy a home?
Determining the right time to buy...
Every year, a small portion of homes are put up for sale by owner (FSBO). But according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), selling without a realtor makes the process more difficult. Here’s a few reasons why hiring an agent can save you time, energy, and reduce stress.
Industry know-how
You probably don’t have a lot of experience with the ins and outs of real estate. The industry can be tricky to navigate, but an agent has the education and experience to back up his or her deci...
You’ve been saving for a while, and you’re finally ready to move out of your apartment and take the leap to home ownership. Becoming a first-time homeowner is both an exciting and a stressful process, but the payoff is well worth it once all the papers are signed and the keys are in your hands. Be sure to read on for some useful tips for preparing for home ownership and what to expect once you move in.
Chances are, you’ve been renting from a landlord who was on the hook for minor repairs and ma...
If you need help paying some bills or taking care of your family, the government can sometimes help. Many state and federal programs exist to help not just low-income families, but people of varying income levels. Many programs are meant to help homeowners.
Here are some of the various types of government help available:
Down Payment AssistanceIf you can’t afford a down payment on a home, many states offer down payment assistance. To find such programs in your state, start at the Federal Housin...
