Are you hoping to become a homeowner this year or want to refinance an existing home loan? If so, it pays to take the time to understand the current mortgage landscape. Getting the right loan can be as important as the home itself. The last thing you want to do is pay unnecessary fees or take on loan terms that might hurt your finances.
Traveling? Protect Your Home
There’s nothing like holiday travel season for spending time with friends and family. But while you’re on the road, make sure your home and hearth is kept safe and secure so you don’t encounter any unpleasant surprises upon your return.
5 Hard Truths About Buying Real Estate
Maybe you’ve bought a house in your day, so you feel like a real estate expert. But even some experienced buyers don’t know everything, though, which is why it’s always good to do your homework before buying or selling another piece of property. It’s time to get real and face the facts, here are five things you probably didn’t know about real estate.
5 Holiday Shopping Ideas When Money is Tight
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
According to the National Retail Federation, the average American plans to spend more than $1,000 during the current holiday season. That’s a 4.1% increase over last year’s figures. Doling out all that cash can put a serious strain on your budget. From planning family dinners to finding those perfect gifts, the shopping season that began on Thanksgiving and runs until December 25 can seem financially overwhelming.
How to Practice Financial Gratitude
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
Practicing gratitude can help you become more aware of what you have and it gives you the chance to count your blessings. Even though there will always be someone else who has more than you, or earns more than you, comparing yourself to others only takes away from all the things you do have.
Should You Consider a “No Spending” Holiday?
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
’Tis the season for gift lists, mega sales and extra shopping trips as you get ready for the holidays. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are planning to spend an average of $1,007 on decorations, candy, gifts, and other holiday-related purchases for themselves and their families in 2018.
Is Stress Costing You Money?
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
Let’s put it out there: Americans are often way too stressed out. According to the American Institute of Stress, over 70% of people regularly feel physical and psychological symptoms caused by stress in their lives.
The New Rules About Medical Bills and Your Credit
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
If you’ve ever had big medical bills that you couldn’t immediately pay, you know how troubling and stressful that situation can be. Even worse: for many years, past due healthcare bills could wind up on your credit report if a doctor’s office, clinic or other medical facility reported your bill to a collection agency.
How Getting Healthier Saves You Money
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
We’ve all heard the saying: “health is wealth.”
Though it sounds obvious, the truth is that Americans are more stressed out than ever, with 3 in 4 individuals reporting a stress-related incident according to a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association. And with this increased stress comes a variety of problems that chip away at our mental and physical well-being. But it’s also worth noting that maintaining your physical and mental wellbeing plays a big role in your finances.
Three Tips to Make Open Enrollment Season a Breeze
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
Open enrollment season is in full swing, and that means you have the next month or so to decide what to do about key benefits your employer provides. Some people dread open enrollment season, because they think they have to painstakingly pore over mounds of healthcare paperwork, and then spend days upon days trying to figure out what to do.