Before choosing a real estate agent, take these characteristics into consideration… Track Record Your agent should have a proven record that meets your needs. Digital Presence Agents must show their online strategy for reaching targeted buyers so that sellers gets results. Network A successful agent is plugged into the market on local and global levels. […]

When it comes to student loans, dealing with the lender can be more difficult than repaying the loan. Thats one of the top complaints by consumers in a report of the student loan ombudsman for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). For federal student loans, more than twice as many consumers (71 percent) reported difficulties […]

Improving your credit can take time, often many months. But there are some things you can do to raise your credit score quickly, even if only by a few points. Pay Bills on TimePayment history is the most important factor in FICO scores, accounting for up to 35 percent of a credit score. Paying your […]

If youre buried by credit card debt, a negotiated debt settlement with your creditor may be worth checking into. Negotiated debt settlement is a general term for discharging debt in a way that appeals to the credit card holder and the cards issuer. Its best to negotiate from a position of strength by not having […]

There are two different types of outdoor spaces youre likely to come across when viewing real estate in the city Those that are wide open to skyline views and those that are enclosed hideaways. Heres a detailed look at how these types of spaces differ. Open Urban Spaces Whether its a rooftop terrace or a […]

Sometimes people take out a mortgage and are forced to accept less-than-favorable terms because of a low credit score or a high debt-to-income ratio. In other cases, homebuyers choose a mortgage that has a fixed rate for a specific number of years and then convert to an adjustable rate. That can save money in the […]

Youve probably seen thousands of ads for Geico or Aflac on television talking about the latest savings you can get for car insurance. But how often do you see companies talking about lowering your home insurance? Probably not regularly. Obviously, people know they need home insurance. But typically, those who own homes dont understand the […]

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If you pay your credit card bill in full each month and dont pay interest, youre using your credit wisely. Youre not only getting a free 50-day loan through a credit cards grace period, but you can get some of the best credit card rewards without having to pay the high interest rates that usually […]

If your child has a Social Security number, they can become a victim of identity theft. With a clean credit history, a childs Social Security number can be more valuable to a thief than an adult’s. It can be used to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, and apply for a […]