When you are financially secure, you may be excited to spend money on your dream car, concert tickets, or other short-term expenses. While these are exciting purchases, they may not help you in the long-term. You should take smart and thoughtful steps when you have a healthy bank account. Save More for RetirementThe last thing you want is to spend the bulk of your money right now, and leave nothing for your future self. Saving money for retirement should be on your mind early in your life. However, if you have not thought about it until later, you still have time to prepare, so don’t fret. You should create and gradually contribute to a 401(k). Find a plan that works best for you and your future family. Some employers will also add to your 401(k) depending on the company benefits you receive. Shop around and see what retirement benefits you can find. Buy a HomeBuying a home is the biggest and most common investment for most Americans. If you are financially stable, there is no better time to invest in a home. Based on your annual income, you can look for homes in areas you can afford. Ask friends and family about real estate agents you can work with—or just check online reviews. There are plenty of reasons to buy a home now. The current economic environment includes record-low interest rates. You can find many developing suburbs being built right now that will attract young families and strong communities. Homes are perfect for raising a family. Make InvestmentsInvesting in other companies and services is also a great place to put your money. Investing in the stock market can raise your economic standing and potentially help you retire early. There are some things you need to be careful of, however. Do not just invest in “pie in the sky” companies—businesses that offer you high rewards for high investment. Buy stock in companies that will see smaller, but safer, returns. You should also invest in precious metals. Diversifying into gold and silver will help your money increase if there is an economic downturn. Metals retain their value or increase in value during catastrophe. Making smart money moves is not just important for people struggling to get by. Choosing practical, smart investments and financial strategies is crucial throughout your entire life. Look at your future plans, and decide what is important to you. Making smart investments with your money will save you headache and uncertainty in the future. Read this next: Why Now May Be the Right Time to Buy Your First House In order to keep your financial and personal information safe, it’s necessary to look for red flags and be proactive about security. Here's important information to help safeguard your money, your personal information, and your family today.
(BPT) - You work hard for your money. Unfortunately, crooks work hard as well, attempting various tactics to take your money. If you fall for a scam, little can be done to help you get your money back. In order to keep your financial and personal information safe, it’s necessary to look for red flags and be proactive about security. Know the red flags From classic methods to using sophisticated technology, criminals will try a variety of strategies to gain access to your money. If you experience any of the following, consider it a red flag and pause before you act:
Learn the do's and don'ts The Bank of America Privacy and Security Center provides key actions you can take to help protect yourself from becoming the victim of a scam:
Learn more and find out about the latest scam and fraud prevention news by visiting www.bankofamerica.com/security. ¹Transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle. Zelle and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. KEYWORDS
![]()
Ready to own your own home? Ready to make the investment of your lifetime? Here are three things to know financially when buying your first home.
Preparing to buy your first home is both exciting and stressful. Before you start down the road of home ownership, it is vital that you have all of your finances in order and that you fully understand what is in store for your budget. Here are three things to know financially when buying your first home. Mortgage and Down PaymentsThe world of mortgages and down payments can be confusing for the first-time homebuyer. Understanding the differences between a fixed-rate and an adjustable mortgage will help you to make a more informed decision. You also need to plan how much money you want to put down on the home. There are several advantages of placing a 5 percent down payment, but it’s important to consider what works best for you and your financial situation. Keep in mind that if you put less than 20 percent down, it is likely you will be charged a monthly fee for private mortgage insurance (PMI). Consider the pros and cons as you're weighing the offsetting advantages of placing a 5 percent down payment. Set a Price RangePicking the right price range is an imperative step in finding the right house for your personal needs and your budget. When it comes to real estate, timing is everything. If you are shopping in a buyer's market, you are going to get more for your dollar. There are a host of online tools to help you figure out how much home you can afford. A lot of times, a real estate agent can also help you to figure out how much you can afford. You also need to examine your current and projected lifestyle to determine how much you can spend. For example, if you plan on having children in the future, you need to add these costs to your overall budget, especially if one parent plans on staying home with the kids. Budget for Extra ExpensesThe costs of purchasing a house go well beyond the basic outlay for the down payment and insurance. Chances are that if this is your first home, you will be upgrading to a significant amount of additional space. This will likely necessitate that you set aside extra money for new furnishings. If you are moving into a newly constructed home, it is also probable that you will need a budget for landscaping. Depending on the condition of the home, you will want to have some cash on hand for repairs and renovations. Equipping yourself with the right tools and knowledge will help the process of buying your first home go more smoothly. All of the stress will be worth it once you are relaxing in a place you own. Related: Real Estate in the Digital Age: Why you still want an agent by your side
KEYWORDS
![]()
It is never too late to start planning for your future or even planning for next week. Managing your finances in your 20s is an essential step in order to be better prepared for the years ahead. This article serves as a guide on how to get started to secure your financial future - today!When you are in your 20s, there are countless things to worry about: Creating an independent life on your own is challenging, a work-life balance isn’t always easy to achieve, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be difficult. Beyond all of that, it is also necessary to manage your finances. Money for bills and other life necessities is one aspect, but it is also essential to plan for your financial future. While it is never too early to start working towards this, if you are not careful, you might start planning for your financial future too late. There are also the added benefits of early financial planning, forming smart money habits, and small amounts now growing into much more significant amounts in the future. Investments Grow Even if you are starting with small investments, starting early will have considerable benefits in the long run. While small investments will begin with small returns for you, those small returns will begin to grow from compounding interest. Monitoring your investment accounts and ensuring your returns are adequately reinvested will gradually become a source of personal wealth. You Need a Healthy Financial Portfolio As you begin to invest, it is best to not look into only one investment opportunity. Creating a diverse portfolio of investments allows your wealth to grow even in volatile markets. Beyond that, it is vital to understand the immediate impact of your financial health. Your financial portfolio determines how much of a house you can afford. It also affects lines of credit and other large purchases. Planning Now Means Less Stress Later Establishing a financial portfolio with smart investments is more than an immediate benefit; it is also a step towards your long-term financial planning. While retirement seems like a long way off during your 20s, It will happen before you realize it, and an intelligent financial portfolio can help you get set for it. Not to mention, emergencies will inevitably occur in your life that will make planning even more essential. By having a healthy portfolio, you might not be able to fully prepare for them, but you can at least be prepared to pay for them with a lesser degree of stress. It is never too late to start planning for your future or even planning for next week. Managing your finances in your 20s is an essential step in order to be better prepared for the years ahead. Please check out our other financial-related topics here! KEYWORDS
Your home is the most significant investment for almost every American. Do you know how to choose the right coverage for you and your family? Here's tips how.
How to pick the right homeowners insurance(BPT) - If you're like many Americans, your home may be your most valuable asset. That's why it's so important to protect it with homeowners insurance. Plus, it's probably a requirement of your mortgage. Setting up your coverage the right way starts with understanding the major parts of a homeowners policy. Consider the following information and tips from the USAA Home Learning Center: Dwelling protection This protection covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it's damaged or destroyed. When you select the amount, keep in mind the cost to rebuild your home is different from its market value. It's important to get the dwelling coverage right and to monitor it over time to make sure it keeps up with construction costs to rebuild. Under most homeowners policies, if you file a claim and have underinsured your home, your payout may be reduced. Some insurers will help you estimate the rebuilding cost. They take into account the features, materials and finishes that make your home unique. Personal property protection This protection covers your furniture, clothing and pretty much everything else inside your home. Most policies set the amount of personal property protection as a percentage of the dwelling coverage. It may not be enough, though. Homeowners plans set limits on certain high-value items. If you own expensive jewelry, art, guns, stamps, furs, cameras, computers, silver or collectibles, you'll want to consider buying valuable personal property insurance. This is sometimes called a "personal articles floater." When you set up your homeowners policy, you may have to make an important choice about how to reimburse losses. There are two approaches:
To make your recovery from a loss as smooth as possible, replacement cost coverage is recommended. Liability coverage This is one of the most important and least appreciated forms of protection offered through homeowners coverage. It protects you if you're found to be at fault for someone's injury or property damage. It even covers you for non-automobile incidents away from your home. Generally, it also covers your legal costs associated with such claims against you. As a rule, your liability coverage should at least be equal to the total value of your assets for both your homeowners and auto insurance. If your assets are higher than the maximum coverage allowed under the policy, consider purchasing umbrella insurance to cover the difference. This is important to protect the savings and other assets you've worked hard to acquire. Deductibles As with other types of insurance, a deductible is the part of a loss that you're responsible for covering out of your own pocket. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium. Choosing a higher deductible can save you money with a lower monthly premium but increases the risk you take. Consider the amount of cash you typically have on hand in your emergency fund or checking and savings accounts. Make sure you can cover the deductible amount comfortably. What may not be covered Your policy's basic coverage won't cover some special risks.
For additional information on protecting your home, visit USAA.com/Homeowners.
KEYWORDS
![]()
Want to reach your money goals? Here's a four-step process to achieve your dreams!(BPT) - The new year is just around the corner and it’s never too early to think about your 2020 goals — and for many, this means prioritizing finances. Taking the time to focus on your goals and determine what’s important to you financially is the best way to set yourself up for success, but actually following through can be difficult. These easy financial exercises from Vanderbilt Mortgage will help you reach your goals in the new decade. 1. Outline your plan If you don’t already have one, establish your plan. Write down short-term financial goals, such as creating a monthly budget, and long-term goals, such as paying off a debt or buying a home. Defining these goals will help as you set your budget for the next year. 2. Create a monthly budget Gather pay statements, bills and bank statements to get started. You can write down all this information or use a budget tool. Start by calculating your monthly income, which includes not only the amount you may get from a regular paycheck, but also any money you get in government aid, child support or pensions. The next step is to look at your bills and bank statements to find out exactly what you spend in various categories of expenses such as utilities, auto, medical, personal, insurance, etc. This accurate information will empower you to take control of your spending. 3. Set a savings goal Saving is another important aspect of financial health. Whether you’re using a general savings account, adding to an emergency fund, or setting aside funds for a new home, saving for larger financial goals helps you prepare and gives you peace of mind no matter where life takes you. If you’re new to saving, start small. Simply skipping your daily latte from the coffee shop a few times a week can add up quickly. 4. Stick to it The statistics on how many people actually follow through and keep their New Year’s resolutions are rather bleak, but sticking with your financial goals will pay off. Stay on track by monitoring your progress each week. As you get closer to your goals, excitement will build and you’ll be motivated to keep budgeting and saving. Vanderbilt Mortgage offers helpful online resources whether you are looking to purchase a new home or keep your current home in great shape. “Here at Vanderbilt, we want to use our years of experience to help current and future homeowners.” Said Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage, “Providing educational materials for every step of homeownership is one of the ways Vanderbilt is with customers every step of the way.” Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking. Sponsored ad content from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.
KEYWORDS
![]()
Mortgage insurance is a stable, cost-effective way to obtain a low down payment mortgage, and offers distinct benefits to borrowers. It has been a cornerstone of the U.S. housing market since 1957, providing more than 30 million families with the opportunity to own homes despite financial barriers. If you are considering purchasing a home, it is important to understand your options, including your low down payment options.
(BPT) - For many Americans, the biggest hurdle in buying a home is the down payment. According to a recent report, 49% of non-homeowners stated that not having enough money for a down payment and closing costs was a major obstacle to purchasing a home. Many people also mistakenly believe lenders require a 20% down payment to qualify for mortgage financing. Data shows that by using private mortgage insurance (MI), millions of homebuyers with down payments as low as 3% or 5% have been approved for affordable and well-underwritten mortgages. In the past year alone, MI has helped more than 1.1 million borrowers purchase or refinance a mortgage. Nearly 60% were first-time homebuyers, and more than 40% had annual incomes below $75,000. How MI works In addition to the other elements of the mortgage underwriting process — such as verifying employment and determining the borrower’s ability to afford the monthly payment — lenders require borrowers to commit some of their own money before approving their mortgage loan. This is where MI entered the system more than 60 years ago, to bridge the down payment gap and help creditworthy borrowers qualify for a mortgage without large down payments. Benefits of MI
MI is a stable, cost-effective way to obtain a low down payment mortgage, and offers distinct benefits to borrowers. It’s been a cornerstone of the U.S. housing market since 1957, providing more than 30 million families with the opportunity to own homes despite financial barriers. If you are considering purchasing a home, it is important to understand your options, including your low down payment options. To learn more, visit LowDownPaymentFacts.org.
KEYWORDS
![]()
Most people don’t have enough money saved for a rainy day. It’s important to have enough money in the bank to be able to survive a major financial downturn like a job loss. You should also be saving for your retirement. Maybe you are worried about the state of your finances and wonder how you can get in control of them. The key to getting control of your money is to live on less than you have. Here’s how.
Putting Away Something in Savings Building an emergency fund counts as the most important financial step you can take to ensure that you are living below your means. Most financial advisors suggest that you have between three and six months' of income stored in savings in case of an emergency. Most people don’t. The problem is that if they become unemployed, they’re forced to live on credit cards or loans from family because they have no money in savings. If you have to borrow money to live, you’ll eventually have to pay it back or go bankrupt. Putting money into savings each month ensures that you never have to go into debt should a major financial blow occur. Not Investing Too Much It's certainly true that real estate, starting with your home, can be a sound investment. That said, you should be careful about putting too much money into real estate because doing so can make you property rich but cash poor. While it’s nice to have property, you may not have enough money in the bank should you experience a job loss or serious illness. So how much can you safely invest in your home? Here’s a rule of thumb. The average American making $61,372, assuming they have no debts, should pay no more than $2,301.45 a month if they buy a house with a conventional 30-year mortgage. This means that you would have no more than 30% to 40% of your money sunk into real estate at any given time. Following this tip will keep you from paying too much on housing. Living Below Your Means Living below your means ensures that you always have more money coming in than going out. People who adopt this lifestyle often vow to forego buying something new until they can pay cash for it. If they do get a raise at work, they pretend to themselves that they are still bringing in the same amount of money each month, and the extra money from their raise goes into savings or an IRA. The less of your money you spend, the more of it you can keep. Spending less cash than you earn takes effort. It’s really a lifestyle choice and not a one-time thing. To get started, you first want to put money into savings each month. Next, be mindful of how you invest your money. Being cash poor can hurt you if tragedy strikes. Finally, do your utmost to spend less money than you have. If you follow all of these steps, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever have to worry about your finances.
KEYWORDS
![]()
|
Archives
January 2021
Interested in Publishing on The Money Idea?
Send your query to the Publisher today!
Categories
All
Get this money content for your website with our RSS Feed below!
|