One of the first steps on your home-buying journey is saving up for a down payment. A down payment is an upfront lump sum that a buyer pays toward the purchase price of a home, which is separate from closing costs. It’s typically expressed as a percentage of the total cost of the home, with … Read more
In general, keep unused credit cards open so you benefit from longer average credit history and lower credit utilization. Consider putting one small regular purchase on the card and paying it off automatically to keep the card active. A crowded wallet and the temptation to spend might have you thinking about canceling unused credit card … Read more
You can sell a car with an existing loan by first determining your carâs value, contacting your lender and calculating your equity. Then list your car, finalize the price and pay off the loan. So, you want a new car but still owe money on your current one. Not a problem. You can sell your … Read more
Carrying a balance on your credit card means youâve paid off a portion of what you owe and left the rest for the next billing cycle. There are lots of reasons you might carry a balance. But itâs important to understand how it might affect interest charges, credit scores and more. Carrying a balance on … Read more
Into each life some debt must fall, to borrow the famous adage about rain. And just like April showers bring May flowers, the right kind of debt at different points in life can help you have a good future. Your first student loan, car loan or mortgage, for example, is often viewed as a rite … Read more
Getting approved for a credit card can be challenging, especially if you have limited credit history or a low credit score. However, some credit cards are designed specifically for people who are new to credit or rebuilding their credit. These “easy-to-get” credit cards make approval more likely by requiring little or no credit history. In … Read more
When many would-be homeowners imagine what being a homeowner is like, they imagine closing on their loan and making monthly mortgage payments that never change. Everything just settles into a pleasant and predictable pattern. Many homeowners assume, at least in the short term, that their housing costs will remain fairly steady. But if a homeowner’s … Read more
A gold bank card is a type of credit or debit card that provides premium benefits, services, and cachet But what exactly does it mean to have a gold card? Let’s break it down. Gold Cards Offer Elite Status It’s more important to have a gold card than a regular credit card. They signal a … Read more
Installment agreements can help you manage IRS tax debt. But what if you have a lot of different kinds of debt? Can you have more than one agreement? Our tax team looks into this and other questions below. Have tax debt and want to set up a payment plan? Call Innovative Tax Relief for a … Read more
The FHA loan program, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, has long been a popular option for homebuyers, especially first-time buyers. But over the last decade or so, the percentage of buyers obtaining FHA financing has been on a downward trend. The Declining Popularity of FHA Loans At its peak in 2009, FHA loans accounted … Read more
