It’s disappointing to hear: your application for a loan, whether it’s a credit card, mortgage or auto loan has been denied due to poor credit. The first thing you should know is you’re not alone. Each year, millions of Americans will find themselves in the same situation, and it’s not just access to financing. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, around 47% of organizations use credit as a part of their hiring decision process.  

Credit is an important metric not just for your financial health, but for opportunity overall, but what does it mean to have “good credit”? How do you get it? And if you’re looking to improve your credit, what steps can you take to get there? 

Let’s start from the beginning.  

What’s a credit score? 

When we talk about good or bad “credit” what someone is really trying to assess is the likelihood a loan will b ...

Achieving a big financial goal, whether it’s buying your first car, saving for a down payment or even setting aside money for retirement can seem impossible. The secret? Making a budget and saving money one month at a time. But where do you start? Here are 5 simple steps that can set you on the right path:

Start with monthly income

The first thing you’ll need is your monthly net income, sometimes referred to as “take home pay." This is what you make after things like taxes or retirement contributions. This income could be from full-time and part-time jobs, child support and alimony, retirement income or self-employment. If you are self-employed, remember your income has yet to be taxed. You should work with an accountant to understand how much to set aside for taxes and estimate your net income.

Write down monthly expenses

Start with the big ones and move down the line. Remember to include housing costs, like a mortgage or rent ...

Over the past year, home prices have been a widely debated topic. Some have said we’ll see a massive drop in prices and that this could be a repeat of 2008 – which hasn’t happened. Others have forecasted a real estate market that could see slight appreciation or depreciation depending on the area of the country. And as we get closer to the spring real estate market, experts are continuing to forecast what they believe will happen with home prices this year and beyond.
Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, says:
“While 2023 kicked off on a more optimistic note for the U.S. housing market, recent mortgage rate volatility highlights how much uncertainty remains. Nevertheless, the continued shortage of for-sale homes is likely to keep price declines modest, which are projected to top out at 3% peak to trough.”
Additionally, every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a panel of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts regard. ...

A Realtor, also known as a real estate agent, is a licensed professional who helps buyers and sellers navigate the complex process of buying or selling a property. Here are some reasons why you should consider using a Realtor:


Expertise and knowledge: Realtors have a deep understanding of the real estate market, including current trends, local neighborhoods, and pricing strategies. They can provide you with valuable insights and guidance that can help you make informed decisions.

Access to resources: Realtors have access to a variety of resources and tools that can help you buy or sell a property more efficiently. For example, they have access to a network of other agents and industry professionals, as well as databases of properties and market information.

Negotiation skills: Realtors are trained in the art of negotiation and can help you get the best deal possible. Whether you're buying or selling, they can help you negotiate the price, terms, and conditions of the transac. ...

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN


What is a cash-out refinance?


How can it help me?


What are the risks?










Being a homeowner not only gives you a property where you can live and build memories with your family, it is also an investment from which you can draw funds if you need them.

If you have equity built up in your home—meaning your home is worth more than what you owe on your mortgage—it’s possible to use some of that value toward reducing your debt or paying for a major life milestone through a cash-out refinance.

What Is a Cash-Out Refinance?

To refinance means to exchange your current mortgage for a new one that saves you money in the long run; for example, by lowering your rate or shortening your loan term.

A cash-out refinance is a type of refinancing in which you take out an entirely new, bigger loan to replace your original mortgage, and you pocket the difference at closing. The amount you receive depends on your equity, f ...