Canceling PMI can save you thousands. If you own a home and you put less than 20% down, it’s likely you have Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This is insurance that you, the borrower, pays to protect your lender if you default on your mortgage. Stated another way, the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is too high […]
It isn’t lost on small business 401k trustees that these plans are not for the faint of heart. Endless changes in regulations and increased scrutiny leave some small business owners wondering why they even bother offering a plan at all. Keeping the plan in compliance and maintaining an investment platform can leave any seasoned business owner […]
Don’t under estimate the power of compound interest. It can work for you or against you. According to Investopedia the definition of compound interest is: Interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest of previous periods of a deposit or loan. This concept is so powerful that Albert Einstein is said to […]
In the early 2000s, property values were rising at a rapid rate and bringing with it newfound home equity. As property values rose and mortgage rates dropped, the temptation to refinance and take cash out became irresistible for many. This financial transaction is not so affectionately known as “using your home as an ATM.” It’s officially known as […]
Retirement saving doesn’t have to be painful, but the longer you wait, the harder it will be to catch up. That can be hazardous to your financial health. If you think it will be difficult coming up with the funds now, consider how hard it will be in the future. While this example assumes a […]
Business startups are not for the faint of heart. Someone, long ago and far away, shared some advice when I joined the ranks of the self employed. He said, “don’t think of it as being self employed, it’s more like being self inflicted!” Joking aside, despite the challenges, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Many […]
If you’re looking to improve your finances, it can feel like a tall order. Taking on any challenge is daunting and the first step is usually the hardest. Knowing where to begin is hard enough and sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. When it comes to our finances, it can be difficult to […]
Retirement planning is a process, not an event. Asking yourself these questions will help you stay on track. Now that our taxes are done, it’s a great time to do some personal finance spring cleaning. Before we know it, we’ll be off on summer trips with our finances far in the back of our minds. Take […]
Is a Coverdell ESA right for you? With so many ways to save for future education costs, it’s hard to know which accounts to use. The first thing to realize is that the various accounts out there are not in competition with each other. In fact, they compliment each other. There are important differences between […]
Student loan debt is on the rise and the numbers are staggering. Total student debt is approximately $1.38 trillion and is second only to U.S. mortgage debt. If you’re like me, seeing these crazy dollar amounts can lead to information overload. Just trying to wrap my head around ONE TRILLION is a challenge. Rather than […]
