Unless you majored in economics or finance in college, you probably didn’t learn much about the stock market growing up. And, if you’re like many people, your eyes glaze over when you hear stock market news. Nonetheless, despite the economic turmoil of recent years, the stock market remains among the most important option for Americans to build their wealth and secure a comfortable retirement. So, while you may still choose to work with a financial advisor to guide your investment strategy, here are some investment basics you should know.
When I think of Spring, I think airy, bright, warm, and fresh. It's the perfect time to give your home a little sprucing up. But if you're not careful, Spring sprucing and cleaning can quickly become expensive.
Topics: Personal Finance
4 Tips You Should Know When Using an Auto Loan Calculator
Here's How to Make Sure You Don't Overpay for Your Car and Car Loan
Everyone wants to get the best price on their next car purchase. Finding a car with the right price is the first step, but you'll also need to carefully consider your loan. An auto loan calculator is a helpful tool to use as you analyze car loans. This tool allows you to input the vehicle's price, loan term, and interest rate, as well as other fees and costs, to see both the monthly payment and total cost of the loan over its lifetime. By using it well, you can avoid overpaying not only for the car itself, but also for the loan. If you've never used an auto loan calculator before, these tips will help you make the most out of this tool.
Topics: Personal Finance, Auto Loans & Car Buying
The freshness of spring motivates a lot of people to throw open the windows and doors, and do a thorough spring cleaning. It’s a great way to take stock of what you have, organize it so everything’s more accessible, and ditch the clutter that’s keeping you from enjoying your space. While you’re at it, why not dive into a bit of spring cleaning for your finances, too?
Topics: Personal Finance, Seasonal
7 Common Misconceptions About How To Get An Auto Loan
You should never believe everything you hear, especially when it comes to auto loans. Misinformation about how to get an auto loan has spread and become common misconceptions. These misconceptions can lead people in the wrong direction when pursuing an auto loan.
It’s more important than ever before to know the facts about how to get an auto loan. We’re about to break down the biggest misconceptions that accompany getting an auto loan. It’s time for you to learn the truth.
Topics: Personal Finance, Auto Loans & Car Buying
It's that time of year again; W2s are rolling in, tax professionals are gearing up, and your mind is already swirling with ways to spend your tax refund check. Before getting too excited and seeing dollar signs, check out this BALANCE blog post.
Topics: Personal Finance
5 Real-Life Lessons for First Time Home Buyers
Buying a home in the Carolinas for the first time can be a daunting experience. If you are a first time home buyer, remember that knowledge is power. Below, we present 5 key lessons to remember as you start shopping for your first house.
Topics: Personal Finance, Real Estate & Home Buying, Home Loans
Every year in March, we celebrate Women's History Month, a time to acknowledge all the brave hard-working women who came before us and paved the way for women's equality. And as great as it is to underline historical women who have made strides for women's independence and equality, it's even more important to use this month as a way to motivate and empower present-day women to rise up and take advantage of the opportunities that are available to help them achieve independence, stability, and success.
Topics: Personal Finance, Investing & Retirement
Meal Plans: A Valuable Tool for Healthy Savings
Eating out is a budget killer, especially if you do it constantly. The best alternative, of course, is to eat at home. However, while this will save you money, cooking every meal can be daunting for some people—unless you make a meal plan.
Topics: Personal Finance, Home, Life & School
Many of us might be overspending unknowingly, with our hard-earned money slipping away in areas we seldom scrutinize. While it seems impossible to escape these inflated costs, plenty of alternatives and discounted rates are readily available.
Topics: Personal Finance, Seasonal