Market Watch recently published “I really don’t want to work until I’m 67, I’m 57, make $100,000 a year, and have $300K in my 401(k). But I’m worried about my spending and have debt. Who can help?” The article provided some basic tips such as recommending this person use their income to pay off the debt (vs using their savings), change their spending habits and make sure they’re funding their retirement. [Read more…]
Your Mortgage and Home Equity should be part of your Financial Planning
January 9, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Do You Have Student Loans?
July 5, 2023 by Leave a Comment
If you have student loans that have been on hold for the past three years, your payments are about to resume. Some have replaced the student loan payments they would of had the past few years with new debts, such as car loans, maybe a new home or higher credit card debts. There is no doubt that the “pause” being over may impact many American families. [Read more…]
Trouble making your monthly payments? Please don’t wait to refi.
June 6, 2023 by Leave a Comment
I have been writing about how high credit card interest rates have climbed with the Fed raising the funds rate. If you’re not paying off your entire credit card bill each month, you are probably owing a bit more due to the high credit card rate. Credit card debt can be an uphill battle. [Read more…]
5 Steps to Creating Financial Security
April 26, 2023 by Leave a Comment
As a mortgage professional, I get to review detailed financials when someone is looking to buy or refinance a home via their loan application. Sometimes people are using every cent they can or are maxing out their monthly cash flow in order to have a home. I often have people who come to me because they need help restructuring their high-interest credit card debts. And I also help people who are well established. Personally, I would like to see more people on a path to financial security.
Here are a few suggestions for your consideration… not necessarily in this exact order and your plan may vary depending on your financial situation or goals. [Read more…]
Another reason to pay off your credit card debts
July 11, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Yesterday I read an interesting article in the Seattle Times about how (and why) to pay off your credit card debt as soon as possible. The article warns of a slowing economy and future rate hikes by the Fed, which will translate to higher interest rates on credit card debt. In addition to the higher rates, the slower economy may cause some people to have reduced income which will be more challenging with the high interest rate debt.
The article encourages readers to have an emergency savings fund and to focus on paying off credit card debt. [Read more…]
Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit
July 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment
If you have been wanting to spruce up your kitchen, bathroom or any part of your home and you don’t want to touch your low interest rate on your existing mortgage, a second mortgage could be an option worth considering. [Read more…]
Fed Raises Funds Rate a Half Point
May 4, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Today wrapped up the two-day FOMC meeting and Chairman Powell announced that the funds rate will be increased by a half point. As of today, the federal funds rate is 0.75-1% and is expected to another 2 percent by the end of the year.
From the FOMC statement: [Read more…]
Could you survive one month without income?
January 25, 2019 by Leave a Comment
With the government shutdown pushing over a month long, some federal employees are having to juggle another missed paycheck. Yesterday during an interview with CNBC, US Commerce Secretary Ross is quoted stating:
“So the 30 days of pay that some people will be out – there’s no real reason why they shouldn’t be able to get a loan against it and we’ve seen a number of ads from the financial institutions doing that… there really is not a good excuse why there really should be a liquidity crisis,” he said. “True the people might have to pay a little bit of interest.” [Read more…]
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