Finding Your Way Home

Of the many expenses associated with having a child, saving for their college education is a huge undertaking. Whether you’ve committed to paying their way entirely or helping out in some capacity, ideally, saving for college is something parents should have started as soon as their kid was born. Whether you’ve done that or not, here are some ways to save for your kid to go to college:

Buying a home is, perhaps, one of the most personal transactions you’ll ever undertake. How, then, can you help someone else find the home that’s just right for them—especially if they are unable to help with in-person input? Whether you’re helping your elderly parents relocate to a retirement community or helping an out-of-town friend relocate to your area, you’ll need to keep in mind some strategies for keeping the lines of communication open all the way to the closing table.

When it comes to saving money, every dollar counts. Whether you want to save up for a down payment or a vacation, or if you need to fatten your emergency fund, you can help meet your financial goal by evaluating your current expenses and finding simple ways to cut back. Of course, saving may also require you to make some sacrifices and prioritize your needs over wants.

To help get you started, consider these 10 cost-cutting tips from American Consumer Credit Counseling:

If you’re buried by credit card debt, a negotiated debt settlement with your creditor may be worth checking into. Negotiated debt settlement is a general term for discharging debt in a way that appeals to the credit card holder and the card’s issuer.

According to the most recent Generational Trends report from the National Association of REALTORS®, Millennials currently make up the majority of home buyers, with Gen Z waiting in the wings as the next generation of first-time home buyers. Both cohorts hold overwhelmingly positive attitudes toward homeownership as a major life goal. The main reason given for their home purchases? “It was just the right time to buy.”

How do you know if it’s time to buy a home?

If you’re handy around the house, the thought of tackling a variety of home improvement projects with your own two hands might have crossed your mind a time or two.

But before you dig into a DIY project, it’s important to consider some factors beyond your ability to do the job right. You’ll also want to consider the cost of all the tools and materials needed, as well as the amount of time you’ll need to devote to the project.

If you’re buried in debt that you can’t repay, declaring bankruptcy can allow you to start over with a clean slate. It can also lower your credit score and make it difficult to access credit in the future. With a strategy and dedication, you can rebuild your credit and achieve your financial goals.