How Much Does a New Mortgage Affect Your Credit Score?

by Ryan January 5, 2012

My wife and I bought a house last April, and while we were going through the house buying process, I was curious about the role my credit score would play in getting the mortgage and how it would be affected once we got the mortgage. Of course, I know you need a good credit score [...]

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Improve Your Credit Score without Using Credit Cards

by Miranda January 4, 2012

It’s true that the fastest way to build credit is to use a credit card. However, many people prefer not to use credit cards. Even if you don’t want to use credit cards, though, your credit score is important. Mortgages and car loans require that you have good credit if you want the best rates. [...]

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Personal Finances and the American Dream

by Laura Adams January 3, 2012

For generations, the way most Americans defined success was a singular, mythic dream that included having a high-paying job, buying a home, driving a fancy car, and having a family. While that traditional American Dream isn’t dead, a recent study by MetLife reveals that our mindset has evolved into something much more complex. I’ll tell [...]

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5 Types of Insurance You Need

by Miranda December 27, 2011

Insurance is an interesting industry. It is there to protect you, but it sometimes seems like a huge waste of resources if you don’t end up needing it. Of course, if you do end up with a serious problem, not having insurance could take an already difficult situation and turn it into a financial catastrophe. [...]

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Paying Off Your Good Debt Early—Savvy Strategy or Money Mistake?

by Emily Guy Birken December 21, 2011

I hate debt. It’s really that simple for me. I am uncomfortable with the idea of owing money, and so I generally avoid debt as much as possible, and I work to pay off any debt I have as quickly as possible. As of right now, the only debt I carry is my student loan [...]

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Home Buying Mistakes

by Emily Guy Birken December 14, 2011

In a perfect world, buying a house would be an easy and fun experience. And truthfully, it is exhilarating finding a new home and laying claim to it. But it’s also frustrating, exhausting, arduous, and more expensive than you anticipate. The malaise you experience when shopping for a house—particularly if you are operating on a [...]

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Establishing Your Credit as a Small Business

by Miranda December 13, 2011

One of the most frustrating things for any small business owner is establishing credit. However, you know that you need access to credit if you expect to you grow your business effectively. Financing helps keep things moving in the world of business — even for small businesses. Establishing your credit history as a small business, [...]

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