Home & Auto

• Renting an Apartment - Learn what to look for (and look out for) when leasing an apartment. There are also a few tips you may be able to use to get a break on your rent.
• Before Buying Your First House - Buying your first house is a big step in your financial life. Be sure to understand some of the pros and cons of home ownership.
• Mistake to Avoid: Not Understanding the Income Tax Implications of Home Ownership - Owning your own home can provide some tax deductions and potentially a reduction in your annual income tax bill. This article explores some of the favorable tax treatments homeowners can enjoy.
• Accumulating a Down Payment on a Home - This article includes a table showing what your monthly payments would be for different size mortgages at different interest rates. There are also nine suggested ways of building the funds needed for your down payment.
• Evaluating Mortgage Types - Choosing a mortgage doesn't have to be complicated. The right type of mortgage can help you afford the house you want and manage your long-term finances.
• Should You Refinance Your Home Mortgage? - The ever-changing interest rate environment means you should periodically evaluate whether you should refinance your mortgage. Here are some suggestions and worksheets for you to use.
• Home Equity Loans - The equity in your home can be a powerful financial tool. Learn how these loans work and why they can be an attractive form of "tax advantaged" borrowing for you.
• Consider Refinancing Regardless of Rates - It is only logical to consider refinancing a home mortgage to take advantage of lower rates, but there are other considerations that may make anytime the right time to consider refinancing. Choosing a type of mortgage so that it matches your plans and your financial situation may help you reduce your mortgage payments in any rate environment.
• The Importance of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - These two Government Sponsored Entities have a vital role in the housing economy. Recent market turmoil has resulted in additional government commitments to help them continue to provide mortgage liquidity and help to stabilize the housing market.
• Developing and Using a Wise Borrowing Strategy - The sensible use of credit is part of a total financial strategy. Using credit can provide benefits, but also can have drawbacks. A few guidelines can help you feel comfortable with your credit use.
• Be Interest Rate Wise - Interest rates have become a highly visible issue with news items about rate changes almost everyday. Interest rates play a major role in our economy and in our daily lives. This article includes some background comments on interest rates and offers some suggestions on taking advantage of borrowing opportunities. The article was written to be customized with references to your organization.
• The Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - The "Fed" gets a lot of attention in the financial press. Learn why their actions are so closely monitored.
• Preparing to Borrow for Individuals - Having an understanding of what a lender considers when making a loan approval decision can help relieve some of the anxiety of applying for a loan. This article also describes some actions to take before applying to improve your chances of approval.
• Reduce Your Monthly Mortgage Payments by Increasing Your Down Payment - See how much of a down payment you need to reduce your mortgage depending on price of home and example interest rate.