Category: Financial

Learn from our financial experts who provide clear advice and tips on everything from taxes to loans and all that is in between.

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Financial Insurance

The Best Renter’s Insurance Companies

The Best Renter's Insurance Companies

Finding good renter’s insurance is always an amazing idea if you are renting a home or apartment. In some lease agreements, it is even required. Make sure to check your lease agreement and see what stipulations are laid out.

There are so many renters’ insurance companies that it can be difficult to find the right one. The best company will depend on your possessions and where you live. Always remember to shop around for quotes and coverage options.

Bundling insurance can also be cheaper. So, if you have car insurance, see if your company also offers renters’ insurance. It could save you more money than using a new company that doesn’t know you.

State Farm

Everyone has heard of State Farm because they are one of the largest car insurance companies. They offer huge discounts if you want to bundle. They also give discounts if your place of residence has certain security features such as burglar alarms, smoke detectors, and other devices.

You can also easily find a quote online if you don’t want to call someone or wait on the phone. Like their car insurance, they offer great deals and plans for your home or apartment.

Amica

Amica has some very affordable options. You can also receive a discount if you put your bills on auto-pay and if you have paperless billing. You can also bundle with car insurance for a larger discount. The more years you go without needing to file a claim, the more discounts you will receive.

They also have extra add-in options for things like electronics, valuables, and jewelry. You can track any claims online through the app or the very easy-to-use website. Keep in mind they do not offer options for people who have a residence in Alaska or Hawaii.

Nationwide

Nationwide offers all the basic things you might need in a renter’s insurance plan. They also have policies for credit card coverage and building addition/alteration coverage for no extra cost.

They offer discounts if you also use them for car insurance or have safety features in your home such as smoke detectors. The longer you go being claim-free, the more discounts you will receive.

Nationwide is a very large company with very few customer complaints. This is very rare and shows they have high customer service skills.

USAA

This is one of the best options if you are active military or a veteran. It can also be used by your families and spouses. They also have coverage for floods and earthquakes for no extra cost. They also offer banking and investment products that you can bundle together.

Some other companies to consider are:

  • Travelers
  • Allstate
  • American Family
  • Assurant
  • Auto-Owners
  • Farmers
  • The Hartford
  • Homesite
  • Lemonade
  • Liberty Mutual

What to include in your policy?

Every policy will be different, but some things should always be included:

  • Personal property coverage for belongings
  • Liability insurance coverage for injuries to you or a guest
  • Medical payments coverage
  • Loss of use coverage will pay for hotels or food when needed
Categories
Career & Education Education Financial Loans

What Is A Preferred Lender List?

What Is A Preferred Lender List?

A preferred lender list is usually used by colleges to help students find lenders for private loans. Private loans may be needed if there is a gap between federal loans and scholarships. Usually, colleges will have certain criteria for private loan companies and the preferred list allows them to show students who meet the requirements.

Preferred lenders will also offer some of the same benefits as federal funding, such as loan deferment and forgiveness. Customer service is usually also better because they have worked with thousands of students before.

Colleges do not benefit from the lenders in any way financially. This means these lists will always be reputable and students don’t have to worry about being scammed.

Is choosing a preferred lender required?

No. Students do not have to pick a lender off of the preferred lender list. They can use any company or financial institution to take out private funding. Always have students research any possible lenders and let them pick the best one for their needs.

Loans are not one-size-fits-all. Everyone may need something different. Consulting the preferred lenders’ list though can make choosing a lender much easier. Most of the companies have years of experience and reviews from other students.

This allows the student to see how they have helped people before and gives them peace of mind when it comes to reputation. It will also help students narrow down potential lenders faster. They can know that the list is reliable and takes away some of the burdens of having to do hours and hours of research.

Are private loans always needed

Not all students have to take out private loans to go to school. Some students will receive scholarships or grants. The federal loans may also cover the amount needed. However, private loans are becoming more and more popular and needed with the sharp increase in tuition rates.

There are a few things you can do before looking into private lending. Also files a FAFSA every year you are in school to see if you qualify for any grants or other money that you don’t need to pay back. You can also ensure that you get federally funded loans which may have less interest rates and longer repayment plans.

Federal loans will usually give you more protection and fixed interest rates. They also don’t usually require a co-signer or credit score, which gives the student more options when borrowing.

After trying FAFSA and federal loans, students can use the preferred lender list to ensure they pick a good lender with a good reputation. It will also help students narrow down the search for finding good lenders.

Not all colleges have extensive preferred lending lists though. Larger colleges tend to have more options than smaller schools. Always ask around and see what other students have used and what has worked the best for them. Financial aid officers should also be willing to advise students and make sure they are making good loan decisions.

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Financial Real Estate

10 Investments to Boost Your Home’s Value

10 Investments to Boost Your Home’s Value

Selling your home can be a long process that takes many appraisals and real estate agents. They may recommend you do some things to increase the value of your home. If you know you want to sell your home soon, you can start making these investments now, so you aren’t stuck doing several at the same time.

You might also have already completed some of these if you have ever made home renovations in the past. Check the following guide to see some simple investments you can make to increase the value of your home.

1. Brighten Up The Space

Homes that are light and airy usually sell much faster. Consider adding some lighting to important rooms like the kitchen and bathroom. You can also add dimmer switches to make the lighting in all the rooms much more inviting.

2. Update The Plumbing

Make sure known of the pipes are rusty or old. Consider updating the pipes to plastic tubing because they will last longer. Try not to have too many new holes when updating the plumbing.

3. Focus On The Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the first rooms people see, so it needs to be updated and elegant. Consider doing a simple remodel that could include new cabinets, new counters, or more modern appliances.  Make sure the kitchen flows well and has plenty of room to prep and cook food.

4. Finish The Basement

Regardless of whether you use it not, finish the basement. Potential buyers will be willing to pay more if a basement is already done and doesn’t need additional work. This also adds square footage to the home when you are putting it on the market.

5. Update The Bathroom

This doesn’t have to be a big remodel as it usually isn’t one of the top-selling points. You can always add new lighting or add some new paint. Fixing and cleaning the grout will also go a long way in adding value to your home.

6. Add Wood Floors

People are willing to pay more for wood floors as opposed to laminate. You can also use engineered wood if it’s cheaper. You can add them to the main rooms or every room.

7. HVAC Replacement

A new HVAC replacement can make your home more energy efficient which is a huge selling point. Adding in a new unit can make your home value much more.

8. Update The Landscaping

Adding some landscaping to the front or backyard can increase your home’s value by quite a bit. It also makes the home stand out.

9. Add Attic Insulation

This can be DIY and very cost-effective. It can make your home warmer and also make it more energy-efficient. Adding insulation to doors and windows can also add energy savings.

10. Get Rid Of Panels

Panels on walls and floors instantly make your home look old. Try replacing them with something more modern and elegant. This will make people much more likely to buy your home.

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Debt Financial

Investing When You’re Living Paycheck To Paycheck

How To Invest When You're Living Paycheck To Paycheck

High living costs and stagnant wages leave millions of people left with nothing but a small amount every month. Do you have a lot of expenses like bills, travel expenses, saving for retirement, grocery, and a lot more? Many people who are living paycheck to paycheck think they cannot invest some money for the future. Well, that’s not the case, as you can make some investment by using your money wisely.

So, here are some realistic approaches to invest when you are living paycheck to paycheck.

1. Consider Micro Investing

If you find it hard to spare some amount and save in your account, Micro investing is a good idea.

Start an investment account with the least amount of money that you can save monthly. You can also use an easy app like Robinhood, Acorns, Public.com, and many more. Then you can link the app account to your bank account. Thus, whenever you buy anything, your change will automatically get invested in your account. 

2. Cut down Your Expenses

Set your budget for monthly income and expenses; it always helps. In this case, you can reduce the amount for the less essential and extra expenses. It may not be as easy as it seems; however, it will bring an outcome if you try consistently.

By cutting down some expenses, you will have some amount by the end of the month. Besides, you can choose a cheaper service to get rid of the heaps of expenses.

3. Purchase a Portion of Shares 

Are you keen on investing your money in a company in the form of dividends? Financial investing involves buying a portion of a company’s shares instead of going for the whole. So as the company’s shares fluctuate up and down, you will get your dividend in the same way. 

4. Utilize Any Bonuses or Extra Income for Investing

Here is another idea that sounds beneficial! You can invest extra money and the bonus you get. You could utilize multiple ideas like purchasing the old items and selling them again. Invest in any shop to get a monthly return, and you can also do many more things. 

5. Set up an Emergency Fund

It is the best practice that brings realistic outcomes. Even if you are left with a small amount after cutting down daily expenses, keep it safe in your money-saving jar. You can also set up an emergency fund to deal with unexpected expenses in the future. 

Final Thoughts

It is a stressful and painful experience to live paycheck to paycheck. You can fight against this challenging situation. However, you can build a better and wise strategy to come out of it. The above-discussed ideas are worth trying and do not even require any particular technique. So, choose any idea and start investing today. 

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Financial Loans Real Estate

Pros and Cons of Automatic Mortgage Payments

Pros and Cons of Automatic Mortgage Payments

When it comes to automatic mortgage payments, there are numerous benefits as well as drawbacks of this feature. Here we have mentioned some common things that you need to know before opting for automatic payments.

Pros of Automatic Payments

Automatic mortgage payments are the most common method people use to manage mortgage loans. Here are some benefits of online payments that encourage people to opt for this approach.

Timeliness

The biggest advantage of using this method is peace of mind, as you don’t need to worry about late payments. Instead of remembering to make monthly payments online, you can let your bank take care of your payments. Besides, automation can help you boost your credit score and develop a record of on-time payments.

Sustainability

If you are one of those who prefer eco-friendly methods, setting up automatic mortgage payments is ideal for you. This is because by using automatic payments you don’t have to use more paper, as you have to write a few checks and buy few stamps. Hence, you will use a paperless billing method that is safe and secure for the earth. Not to mention, you will also contribute to reducing emissions by receiving and sending fewer emails.  

Security

Although some people fear that automatic payment methods are not safe, there are many reputable institutions that use secured methods for payments. These organizations use advanced security measures for online payment mechanisms. In fact, you choose a risky method when you use an unsecured mailbox to send a payment via checks. These paper bill payments also include your financial information, such as your credit card number or account number.

Cons of Automatic Payments

While automation offers many benefits, it also has its drawbacks.  Here are some cons that you need to know about online mortgage payments.

Overdraft Fees

In some cases, payments can fluctuate in amount, and if you don’t notice, you might experience an overdrawn account. Overdraft fees can greatly vary, but the average fess is $34. In this case, it’s important to track your bank account and only leave enough money that can cover your automatic payments.

Unsubscribing Problems

This is the most common problem that people face. If you find the method invaluable and want to unsubscribe it in the future, you may experience several problems. For instance, the institute that offers you an automatic mortgage payment option may not respond to your request. In other cases, the process is too lengthy and complex that it takes days to unsubscribe automatic online payments.

Costly Mistake

Another problem is that automatic payments can do lead to costly mistakes. For instance, your home mortgage company can accidentally withdraw monthly payments twice at the same time. Although these mistakes are rare, they can still happen. You also need to know that recovering this amount can also be a headache for you.

Automatic Payments Bottom Line

So, now you may decide whether you need to opt for automatic mortgage payments. It is important to note that possible problems greatly depend on your chosen organization that makes payments on your behalf.

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Financial Loans Real Estate

Are There Downsides to Refinancing Your Mortgage?

Are There Downsides to Refinancing Your Mortgage?

Thinking of refinancing your mortgage? If so, then you should know that it’s not a great idea. Wondering why? Here we have mentioned reasons why you should avoid opting for this approach.

Savings Become Challenging

You will not be able to save money if you refinance your mortgage.  If your financial conditions have not changed after you have taken the first loan, then you may don’t have any greater change in monthly payments or interest rate.  It is important to note that there are fees of refinancing that you need to pay at the time of applying for it. Thus, you need to determine how much money you have to save to pay for the fees instead of weighing how much money you are willing to spend monthly.

High Costs

The most unpleasing disadvantage of refinancing your mortgage is the amount you need to pay to avail of the new loan. Generally, it ranges between $3,000 and $6,000 or more. This also depends on the amount of the new loan, your lower interest rate, and your discount points. Not to mention, this expenditure shows what you have paid on the first mortgage. In a nutshell, you will be paying again to purchase the same thing.

Delayed Mortgage Payoff

In typical refinance conditions, you get more time on your loan. For example, in your 30-year loan, you have paid for five years. When you refinance your mortgage, you will add five years back on your loan term.  This means you will own your home for five more years unless you have to make additional principal payments. But if you stay with your current mortgage and pay your requisite payments, you can become loan-free in 25 years.

Refinancing Your Mortgage Takes Time

If you think that your application for refinancing will get approved the same day you apply, then you are wrong. Refinancing your mortgage is not a task that you can do in a single day. You will need time, resources, and money to secure a lower rate before applying for the loan. Some lenders also refuse to give more loans on your mortgage. There can be several reasons for it. For instance, a person who always makes delayed monthly minimum payments can get refusal on their refinancing application.

Bottom Line

Refinancing your mortgage simply means making your financial situation more unstable than before. You need to pay more premium payments for your new loan. Apart from this, you need to use all your savings to pay the fees of the mortgage loan. This is why it’s better to avoid refinancing and try to pay your current mortgage loan.

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Financial Insurance

How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on my Record?

How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on my Record?

Those shopping for car insurances right now can surely expect a low rate. But, only if they’ve maintained the cleaning driving record one can have. It is a fact that the safest drivers are the favorites of insurance companies while those with shifty records may end up with big costs.

However, the good news is that car records do not last on your records forever. You’ll be able to reduce your premium once you understand when accidents clear off your history.

When Accidents Leave Your Records

There is no doubt that car accidents are very scary and stressful. Not only physically, mentally and emotionally but also financially. In addition to dealing with the other entire trauma surrounding your life and body from an accident, you also have to bear the financial burden resultantly.

Your insurance premiums simultaneously increase when you suffer an accident. Can you guess why? Simply because the insurance company now views you as a “high risk” for its business. But you do not need to lose heart just yet: accidental blemishes will disappear from your record with time. You only need to be patient.

The length of time it takes for records to clear depends on how severe your accident was. It also depends on which state you met the accident in. Car laws vary by state and many states have a pint system where they follow traffic violations.

So if you’re a driver that committed an egregious vehicular crime God forbid, you’ll be getting more point for it. In the case of too many points, chances of license suspension altogether are also high. The problem in some states is that their points system is not the kind that indicates the length of time your records will show the accident.

For example, if you’re in California and you commit a DUI offense there, then you can forget about low rates for straight thirteen years because that’s how long your car accident is going to feature in your records. But if you’re in Michigan, the car law is going to be slightly easy on you and they will only hold your accidental offense for two years on your records.

Here is a helpful table to see how long your accident will feature on your records:

  • Minor Accident – For three years
  • First minor accident – For many insurance companies, this is a forgivable incident. If you have had a minor first-time accident, it may likely not show on your records at all.
  • DUI – This offense stays on your record for ten straight years.
  • Hit-and0run – Another accident that occupies a place on your record for ten years.

The best idea is to refer to the local guidelines of your state or get in touch with your local motor vehicle department for specific information regarding your case.

If the Accident Wasn’t Your Fault

Not every accident will by purely your fault. Sometimes you just are the victim of another driver who caused it and you simply got unlucky. In such a situation, the accident does enter into your driving record and stays there for the stipulated time but it does not impact your insurance premium.

All you need to do is get your police report copy to serve as evidence of your innocence in the accident.

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Financial Insurance

Car Insurance: Tips & Ideas for Cutting Costs

Tips & Ideas for Cutting Car Insurance Costs

When you’re behind the wheel, you need car insurance to protect you. But how can you make the liability insurance or car coverage more affordable for you?

Here are some tips and ideas for cutting your car insurance costs:

  • You must remember that insurance companies offer multi-car discounts and make it your goal to take advantage of that. Hence, if you try obtaining a quote from an auto insurance company for a single car, they will surely give you a higher quote.

But if you asked them for quotes for several cars or drivers at one time, you will get a more discounted bulk rate. Do you know why? Because they’re willing to give you a deal if they see promises of more business from you.

You can gather your family members, neighbors, friends etc and then ask for a collective quote.

  • Insurance companies are smarter than you think. They conduct studies to prove that people with good credit scores are less like to make insurance claims. Hence, try paying your bills on time and clearing your credit card debt before purchasing your car insurance. You could win lower premiums this way.
  • Being a safe driver is one easy way to cut car insurance costs. It’s common knowledge that safe drivers are the favorites, especially for car insurance companies. Try to maintain a good driving record and you’ll win safe driving discounts in return on your insurance, almost up to 10% to 23 %.
  • Insurance companies insure different people and cars differently, which is why you will find a difference in thousands of dollars between their quotes. This is why we suggest you first shop around well to see who’s offering what. With three or four quotes in hand, you can settle for the most reasonable one.
  • There are some insurance companies who award discounts to those who undergo defensive driving course. With this course, you can the number of points on your license. You may even opt for accident prevention or similar course to win this discount. Not a bad idea it seems!
  • Bundling your insurances can lower your costs too. You may already be having a homeowner’s insurance or some others and if you wish to purchase more than one policy, it would be a great idea to ask your agent to bundle these. In return, your insurance provider may give you a discount, which they often do on bundle insurances.
  • Using mass transit will shower fewer miles on your insured automobile in year and that is sure to reduce your costs too. You see, it is typical for an insurance company to make you fill a questionnaire before signing up for discounts. If you are commuting for three to four hours daily back and forth from work, you will surely be paying more premiums that those who only drive a mile a day.

Hence, a good idea is to ask your insurance company about their mileage thresholds. That way you can plan your mileage accordingly to win a discount.

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Credit Financial

Questions All First-Time Investors Have Answered

Questions All First-Time Investors have answered

Being a first-time investor can feel quite daunting, especially if you feel you have inadequate financial knowledge. The fact is that not all of us have studied business or finance related degrees and we all learn essential things along the way, so you really have nothing to fear.

Here are top 11 questions that first-time investors have answered.

Is Paying Off Debt Necessary Before Investing?

One needs to take stock of their personal risk tolerance, goals and financial situation. There is no answer to this question and you can only draw your conclusion by seeing your personal debt size, interest rates and how you will balance your investing goals with debt repayments.

Can You Define Risk Tolerance & How To Figure Out Mine?

Risk tolerance is merely how much you are willing to stake. You can figure out yours very simply. If you stay up at nights fearing that a down market may bring down your investment portfolio, then honestly, the risk is bigger for you.

If instead, you worry about missing an earning potential then you are making conservative investments. The best way to quantify your risks is to work with a financial advisor.

Where Do I Begin My Investment Knowledge & How Do I Increase My Confidence?

Most investment education is honestly self-taught and you can find a plethora of materials now for educating yourself. From online resources to scholarly journals or a single book like Bogleheads Guide to Investing, you can learn all you need here.

Basic knowledge and joining communities like Public can help will broaden your financial literacy and confidence.

What Will I Get By Investing In The Stock Market?

No market is risk-free. You must note that natural disasters, political events, consumer emotions, terrorism, earnings etc. can impact the markets. Over the long-term, you can enjoy annual return rates, corporate bonds, cash equivalents/cash and treasury bonds too.

When Is The Right Time To Invest?

The simple rule is to invest your money when you believe it will grow over a period of time. your goal must be to invest it into something that will appreciate over time, like stock shares, real estate, index fund, art collectibles etc.

Can I Lower My Risk Of Investing?

Being well diversified is one sure way of minimizing investment related risks. This method involves investing your portfolio in various assets, including cash, bonds, stock and real estate etc. Economic events have a different impact on how each of these assets will react.

Diversification is the way to ensure you get higher returns with lower risks.

How Much Should I Start With?

The truth about investing is that single stocks can cost you thousands of dollars. If you’re not up for that just yet, you can find several platforms that have removed account minimums to facilitate the beginners in investment. At the very least, you will surely get to enjoy fractional shares.

This way, even starting out with a $20 investment, including a small stock portfolio will give you hands-on experience, some returns and flexibility for your comfort level.

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Business Career & Education Financial Insurance

Your Guide to Choosing Small Business Insurance

Your Guide to Choosing Small Business Insurance

Getting small business insurance is a very hard thing to do. Especially, if you don’t have as much knowledge about the small business world. Still, don’t be fooled into thinking that you can go for too long without insurance.

Small business insurance provides a net for you whenever you have some problems with money. If you have the right type, it can save you from total bankruptcy! You need insurance to handle unexpected costs and accidents that can befall your company and your employees. Those costs will come and pile up!

What Types Of Insurance Can I Pick From?

Here are some of the common types of insurance, and the one that you end up picking will be the one that completely benefits you.

One of the first types is Business Income Insurance. This covers all forms of money loss from physical property damage. If your bottom line or earnings are impacted by a car crash or damage to one of your buildings, then that is what is covered by this insurance. It’s very useful if you have some type of property to your name, less useful if you do not.

Another type that small businesses need to consider is the Business Liability Insurance. This keeps your small business safe from being sued. Many owners do not get this insurance, as they incorrectly think that an LLC will provide protection. It does not.

Other Types Of Insurance

If you are running a small business in the construction or building services, then you are going to need contractors professional liability insurance. This protects your contractors from being sued for errors, and liability claims. It’s a must for this niche, especially when you are just starting out.

Employment practices liability insurance is focused on protecting the employees of your small business from wrongful employment practices and these include discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment.

Picking The Ones That Work

The insurance you need depends on your business. If you are hosting a small business with no employees and completely online, you will need different insurance than a construction company with 20 employees. Still, the most basic form of insurance should focus on protecting your business from the various problems that can plague it.

If you are unsure about what insurance your business needs, or are concerned that you are missing something, you should talk to an expert. A lawyer who specializes in small businesses and an accountant who knows the financial side of things, makes sure that you will cover all your bases.

If you don’t have insurance, you are leaving the door wide open for financial ruin for your business. The work and small sums that you pay now for business insurance are going to save you much later whenever problems arise, and you certainly won’t regret taking the time to have it done.

Make insurance an important part of your plan, and then you can get back to serving your customers.