Getting married is a huge change, and one big aspect of that change is your finances. You go from simply being in charge of your income, spending habits, and bills, to trying to mesh together these things for two people. Since you and your spouse are likely somewhat different when it comes to money, it is very important that the two of you are on the same page as much as possible. [Read More]

For many people, financial planning involves setting up investment vehicles to help accumulate wealth for retirement. Popular options for retirement include a 401K, which will be set up by your employer or an IRA (Individual Retirement Arrangement), which you will have to set up yourself. Additionally, a simple brokerage account can be a valuable tool to add to your investment portfolio, but does not offer any specific retirement benefits. In this article we will discuss the differences between these three accounts and the pros/cons of each. [Read More]

One of the biggest decisions you might have to make regarding your home is whether or not you should refinance your mortgage. Refinancing your mortgage can be a successful financial transaction if properly handled. However, the wrong decisions could result in financial troubles. Before financing your home, here are some considerations to make. Should You Refinance? There are several reasons you should consider refinancing.  Some homeowners choose to refinance to get a lower interest rate. [Read More]

With the cost of food, housing, and other basic necessities rising year after year, it can be hard to stay financially afloat -- especially when an urgent car repair, medical bill, or other unexpected expense derails your monthly (or yearly) budget. If you find yourself in a short-term cash crunch, what are your best options? Should you pursue a personal loan or simply put this expense on a credit card to be paid off over time? [Read More]