How much should I save if I’m in debt?
How much should I save monthly if I am in debt? Or what percentage of my income should I save if I am in debt? Submitted by LaTisha V. When we have debt, our priorities can change completely. To start, we have to remember that not paying our debt will negatively impact our credit history…
Read More5 Tips to Stay Out of Debt on Black Friday
Your No-Debt Black Friday Survival Guide As a veteran, I often get eye rolls from my kids when I use military analogies to describe events. But as a financial coach, I can’t help but see Black Friday as an epic battle. You’re knee-deep in the trenches of holiday shopping goals and you’re experiencing the rapid…
Read MoreWhat is a good interest rate?
You may have heard that there are only two kinds of people: those who pay interest and those who earn it. In reality, we all likely end up occupying both sides of that equation. The first thing to know about borrowing money and paying interest is that how much you pay depends on your credit…
Read MoreWhat is private mortgage insurance?
If you get a conventional loan and make a down payment of less than 20 percent of the home price, you are required to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI protects the lender (not you) in case you fail to make your mortgage payments. Banks, savings associations, credit unions, and mortgage companies make conventional loans…
Read MoreHow should I pay off medical debt that’s been sent to a collection agency?
“My debt from an unpaid urgent care bill has been sent to a collection agency. What is the best way to go about paying off this debt?” Submitted by Jessica J. Medical debt is a huge financial stressors for many people. Taking action early is the best way to get it under control. Double-check your…
Read MoreHow do you get out of an upside down car loan?
How do you get out of an upside down car loan when you have bad credit and no one is willing to refinance? Submitted by Nichole B. You have touched on a hot button for me! In the early 90s, I had a car that was so upside down my grandchildren would be paying the…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to refinance a mortgage?
Let’s start with the basics. Refinancing simply means that you’re replacing your existing loan with a new mortgage. Reasons for Refinancing a Mortgage If you’re considering refinancing, your reasons may include: A lower interest rate Shorter (or longer) term to pay off the loan or cash out equity Changing the type of mortgage (you may…
Read MoreHow do you balance debt and savings? Here’s what our research found.
If you’re paying down debt, saving money may be a low priority for you. After all, you’re probably paying interest on your debt every month, so paying off your debt more quickly means keeping more money in your pocket long-term. It’s harder to save when you have debt Our research found that Savers with a…
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Debt
Hi, I’m Saundra Davis, financial coach here at SaverLife. Today we are going to talk about one of the biggest financial stressors in many of our financial lives: debt. The “No Judgment Zone” So, the very first thing is remember the “no judgment zone.” Everything that you have done in your financial past that you’re…
Read MoreHow to Get the Best Rate on a Loan
If you need money for the short or long term, it’s important to remember that not all loans are created equal – and the price you pay for that money (in fees and interest) may vary dramatically. What do you need? Before shopping around for loans, you should know how much money you’re looking to…
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