Smart Money

Is hard work really all it takes to succeed in the world? Can anyone pull themselves up by the bootstraps and leave behind a difficult situation for a better life? In truth, some people will give it their all, only to wake up each day feeling like they’re spinning their wheels. What gives? It might be something is missing, and...

Historically, humans have spent much of their time outside. Hunting and gathering was our main source of food before the advent of agriculture, which meant early humans spent a lot of time out in nature. These days, much of mankind brings home the bacon by spending several hours a day at a desk. Coined by journalist Richard Louv in 2008,...

Borrowing money from a bank to purchase a home can be a struggle. In most cases, you must meet stringent credit requirements, put down a huge chunk of money and navigate the underwriting process. And, if you’re a little short in any of these areas, you could be turned down. Fortunately, you don’t always need a bank to buy...

If you’re struggling to pay bills and keep food on the table, you’re not alone. According to a 2017 MarketWatch report, approximately 40% of adults said that they couldn’t afford to cover their basic needs. This economic uncertainty has many people working multiple jobs, orchestrating side hustles and looking for unique ways to make extra money. Penny savers will...

Do you need a stellar credit score and 20% down to purchase a home? Not necessarily. Home-finance options aren’t one-size-fits-all. There is a multitude of financing options geared toward meeting the needs of potential homebuyers, regardless of their credit situation and individual circumstances. One such option is the owner-carry mortgage. What Is an Owner-Carry Mortgage? An owner-carry mortgage, also called seller...

All home sellers hope to make a profit, and many do. Home values skyrocketed in 2018, and while they continue to increase in value, 2019 estimates don’t show prices getting much higher. What does this mean for you? If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now may be the perfect time. In addition to taking advantage of a...

When it comes to financing, a mortgage is one of the biggest investments someone will make. Getting qualified is one thing, but landing the perfect mortgage with the best terms is the next step. Which one is better? A 15-year or 30-year fixed rate loan? Whatever you choose, figuring which one best suits your financial situation before applying is...

There are dozens of tasks to complete when selling your house, from finding a good real estate agent to organizing paperwork. Why add painting to the list? A fresh coat of paint can increase the value of your home, and by choosing the right color, you can walk away with more money in the bank. Here’s what you need...

Homeownership has many benefits. Just ask the 64% of U.S. residents who own their own home. In addition to having a place of their very own to call home, homeowners enjoy major tax deductions each year while building wealth through equity. You too can take advantage of these benefits. Major Tax Deductions Want to lower your tax bill? Purchase a...

When you have too much to do and not enough time to do it, every second feels precious. That’s why it can feel particularly frustrating when, despite your best efforts, your to-do list is as long as ever. If it’s a regular occurrence, you may be falling into some common time traps. Thankfully, a little awareness will go a...