Tips & Advice
Credit cards make it simple to purchase big-ticket items like televisions, computers, and furniture. As long as cardholders have the available balance to cover the cost of the item, it’s possible to leave the store with a purchase that exceeds their checking account balance. But, what if money is needed to pay for an extensive […]
A split-second decision at the cash register can have lasting financial consequences. For many, the decision to pay using a credit card may be as simple as flipping a mental coin. For others, it’s as paralyzing as choosing the correct answer to the million-dollar question on a popular game show. Paying with cash is sometimes […]
Credit unions and banks compete for your financial deposits. While both types of financial institutions insure those deposits against loss for up to $250,000.00*, credit unions and banks are different. What and how much you receive in return for keeping money in a checking, savings, or investment account has a lot to do with whether […]
American homeowners have nearly $16 billion in available home equity. Some homeowners will take advantage of the funds available to them by applying for a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Others will wait to access their equity when they sell their homes, while another group of financially-strapped homeowners won’t consider […]
Money management is less of a struggle when a reliable system is used to track personal income and expenses. Trying to keep up with the due dates for next months credit card, insurance, utility, and even the occasional vet bill can make the most committed budgeter want to throw in the towel. A checking account […]
Opening a new business was both thrilling and yet – a bit overwhelming. The day you flipped the “open” sign or officially contacted your first client filled you with nervous anticipation. Soon after, the financial realities sank in. Thoughts surrounding cash flow, credit card processing, expansion costs, and additional equipment purchases filled you with anxiety. […]
You pay your mortgage (and other bills) on time every month, have a habit of keeping credit account balances low, and limiting new lines of credit. So, you’re not surprised that credit offers fill your mailbox daily. You usually shred these credit offers, until last week when a home equity line of credit (HELOC) offer […]
Planning your summer vacation can be overwhelming. If you’re one of the nearly 100 million Americans planning a family vacation this year, we understand why. Searching for travel deals, coordinating itineraries with relatives, and figuring how you will pay for it all can have you wondering if a staycation is the better option. While we […]
Budgeting myths keep you from experiencing a financial life free from stress and anxiety. A budget, aka spending plan, brings clarity to how you’re spending your money now and can predict how much you’ll have available to spend in the future. Conversely, mindless spending and a lack of financial goals will empty your wallet faster […]
By: Attorney Tom Demakis Buying a house is, for most people, the single biggest investment they will ever make. The process can be very stressful, but it does not have to be. You can eliminate a lot of anxiety if you take a few steps to protect yourself. Learn and understand the market in which […]