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Checking your credit is free, for now - here' s why you should take advantage
Checking your credit is free, for now - here' s why you should take advantage

Checking your credit is free, for now - here' s why you should take advantage

April 15, 2021 / Ray Wills

Recently, the three national credit agencies — TransUnion, Experian and Equifax — said they will continue to provide free, weekly credit reports to consumers until April 20, 2022.…

Community Savings Buying a Home
Is a personal line of credit right for you?
Is a personal line of credit right for you?

Is a personal line of credit right for you?

November 19, 2020 / Sarah Stansfield

A personal line of credit (PLOC) enables borrowers to withdraw funds for a set period of time – known as the “draw period” – on an as-needed basis. A draw period can last for several years. Lines of credit are helpful if you need access to cash…

Buying a Home Starting a Family
Interest Rates 101
Interest Rates 101

Interest Rates 101

September 24, 2020 / David Bimler

If you’ve been researching loans, you’ve certainly noticed the term interest rate. Expressed as a percentage, usually in annual terms, an interest rate is the amount of money your lender charges you for a loan. Nearly every type of loan, including mortgages, car loans and student loans, charges an interest rate. Rates vary depending on your credit score, the type of loan and the lender.…

Community Savings Buying a Home College
Unsecured or secured loans: What's best for you?
Unsecured or secured loans: What's best for you?

Unsecured or secured loans: What's best for you?

August 24, 2020 / Dave Bimler

Smart borrowers understand the loan options available to them. The majority of loans are either unsecured or secured. Each loan type has its pros and cons. When you apply for a loan, do your homework.…

Community College Savings Buying a Home
Three mistakes in portability planning
Three mistakes in portability planning

Three mistakes in portability planning

July 16, 2020 / The Merrill Anderson Company

The increase in the amount exempt from federal estate tax to $10 million per taxpayer (plus inflation adjustments) has been a game changer for estate planners.…

Retirement Starting a Family Buying a Home Community
What Your Credit Score Really Means
What Your Credit Score Really Means

What Your Credit Score Really Means

January 01, 2020 / Amanda Kegerreis

Ever wonder how important your credit score is? Well, that three-digit number has a lot of power. It can make or break your ability to receive a loan, a credit card, affordable car insurance and even rent an apartment.…

College Buying a Home Community
The Ins and Outs of a Cash-out Refinance
The Ins and Outs of a Cash-out Refinance

The Ins and Outs of a Cash-out Refinance

December 20, 2019 / David Bimler

Maybe you want to renovate your bathroom or pay down some high-interest debt but you’re having trouble building up the amount of money you need to make it happen.…

Buying a Home Selling a Home Community Savings
In the market for a mortgage? Your time may be now
In the market for a mortgage? Your time may be now

In the market for a mortgage? Your time may be now

November 19, 2019 / David Bimler

Amid ongoing international trade disputes and a weakening global economy, mortgage affordability in the U.S. is improving. In fact, mortgage rates have hit a three-year low since the Federal Reserve slashed the federal funds rate this summer — the first cut since the Great Recession.…

Selling a Home Buying a Home
Is it time to break up with your bank?
Is it time to break up with your bank?

Is it time to break up with your bank?

October 28, 2019 / Paulo Oliveira

Breakups can be hard, but let’s face it: Sometimes they’re necessary. If your bank isn’t making you happy, it may be time to start thinking about taking your money elsewhere.…

Buying a Home Retirement College Community Savings

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