Americans spend a lot of money on takeout and lattes but just how much are they spending and what does that mean for their savings and retirement readiness? How much money do Americans spend on takeout and lattes? Americans spend an average of $2,944 each year on financial vices like takeout, drinks and lottery tickets, [...]
Is the American Dream Out of Reach? Some Americans think financial stability and homeownership are out of reach. But a good strategy can help them get out of debt, buy a home and prepare for retirement to achieve the American Dream. Hard to buy a first home More than 80 percent of Americans agree that [...]
Your love life might be hurting your wallet. Recent research found that if financial literacy levels are unequal between you and your partner, that disparity will only grow as you age, causing irreparable damage to your personal finances. Recent research from the University of Texas at Austin found that two people involved in a relationship [...]
A recent article from Managed Care magazine shows that many Americans are struggling to keep up with the high price of prescription drugs. Deciding whether you can afford to buy something you want, like a new dress or phone upgrade, can seem like a tough decision, especially if it is just out of your financial [...]
Should you have a transfer on death deed, a living trust or both? For this reader, it may be best to pursue all options available to them. Q: My father signed a quit claim deed in 2008 for my mother to be sole owner of their mobile home. Now, in 2018, she put him as [...]
Buying your spouse out of the house is not unusual, but take some consideration before getting a loan do so. Q: My ex-husband wants money before he signs the house over to me. We have no mortgage on the home. I’d like to know if I can take home equity loan just to pay him [...]
How to afford your summer travel plans without totally breaking the bank, or taking out potentially risky travel loans. Have you considered taking out a travel loan to pay for a vacation? I read an article on MarketWatch about several companies offering payment plans for flights, hotels and amusement. Each company offers different loan terms, [...]
How to manage a life estate: This older form of transferring an estate can cause a lot of confusion. Here’s what you need to know about your obligations. Q: My dad quit claimed his house to me but if he wants, he can live there his entire natural life. Does that mean I own the [...]
How to sell your 1031 exchange inheritance in order to avoid complications with taxes after the sale. Q: I have inherited a 1/3 interest in a property that is part of a 1031 exchange. The total value of the property is being split between 3 heirs and is worth about $150,000. Is there any way [...]
When it comes to money, Millennials are doing better than many people think. And yet the vast majority are still fretting about their money, even as the oldest part of the cohort has begun applying for mortgages. Let’s start with money. Millennials (age 23 to 37) are saving money. There’s no doubt about it. Nearly [...]
