Figuring out the best time to buy a home can be tricky. Should you wait until summer when property listings are plentiful? The warmer temperatures bring a more extensive housing inventory, but also greater competition. Maybe winter is a better time to buy a home. Colder months often mean less competition and increased negotiating power for buyers. Sellers who didn’t have success in the prior...

U.S. households are feeling the squeeze of inflation on their wallets, and many are considering auto loan refinancing to help ease the financial pressure. But with rising interest rates, paying off an existing auto loan with a new one may not be a smart move. While the new loan could provide immediate relief, it could also cost more over the long term. Weigh the pros and cons of an auto loan...

Setting goals is an important step toward creating a secure financial future. Goals provide clear direction by requiring you to focus on a specific money target. While goals can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, having both short-term and long-term goals is essential to successful financial planning. Short-term goals are typically achieved in a year or less, while long-term goals...

Planning a vacation that doesn’t break the bank is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. You might need to review numerous options before piecing together the right combination of flights, hotels, and activities to fit your budget. And without a strategy, you could waste hours scanning deals that are a complete mismatch for your finances. Instead, solve your vacation challenges with these six creative...

With inflation high and money tight for so many of us, there’s never been a better time to re-examine how we’re managing our finances and to make some moves to save more. Some 61% of Americans — 203 million people — are living paycheck-to-paycheck , and 13% of us are spending more than we earn . Not only is this causing us stress in the here and now, but it’s also leading to lasting regrets for...

Falling behind on loan payments can be stressful. Even one missed payment can be unsettling since it can result in interest charges, late fees, and a lower credit score. But it’s possible to get back on track and avoid loan delinquency by earning extra money or redirecting existing income at the first sign of trouble. Use these tips to help regain control of your finances. Did you know? Late...

How CDs Work A certificate of deposit is a type of savings account that typically offers a higher rate of return in exchange for your commitment to leave the deposited funds untouched for a set period. Most financial institutions offer CD terms as short as six months and as long as five years—the longer the term, the higher the guaranteed rate of return. CD account owners deposit a lump sum into a...

The holiday season is full of joy and celebration, and - if we’re being honest - sometimes a little too much spending. Between gifts, travel, and festive gatherings, it’s easy for holiday cheer to turn into a financial headache once the new year rolls around. If your credit card balance is higher than you’d like or minimum payments feel overwhelming, you might be searching for a solution. Use...

A sprinkling of mini-pinecones, fresh-cut mistletoe, and red berry branches can add the finishing touches to your holiday decor. While seasonal decorations can warm our spirits like a hot mug of cocoa, nothing can put the big red bow on 2020 like an end-of-year financial review. Before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, use this checklist to set yourself up for a prosperous 2021! YEAR...