Since we're still in January, you know we're going to talk about goals and resolutions. Every year, one of my New Year's resolutions is to increase my savings; this is a resolution that I keep each year because I think it is something that I can always strive to improve upon.

The process of shopping for a home, negotiating a purchase price, applying for a loan, and closing a mortgage loan can be daunting and complicated for even a seasoned home buyer. As a first time home buyer, everything about the process is new and unfamiliar. While your mortgage lender and local credit counselors can help you navigate the path to homeownership, the following do's and don'ts will help you avoid some of the more common mistakes and oversights that can trip you up on your way to buying your first home.

Every single year, improving financial habits is one of the most common New Year's resolutions. There are countless resources on improving your finances through budgeting, saving, investing, etc. Although those are all necessary for healthy finances, you also have to be able to say no when needed.

Buying a house is exciting. Alongside the thrill of house hunting comes the anxiety of the unknown. Knowing how to buy a house and find the right mortgage to make your dream a reality are valid concerns. With multiple mortgage options, how do you decide which mortgage is right for you? Although these are good questions, there are answers, and buying a house doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

Home mortgage options vary from state to state; sometimes, different options exist at a city or county level. In the Carolinas, there are multiple options to help home buyers, including state-specific programs to help first-time home buyers find the perfect house. Some of these programs help first time home buyers afford their new home by offering little or no money down mortgage requirements.

If you've been looking to make positive changes in your life or just looking for a fresh start, there's no better time than the beginning of a new year. Starting now, you have 365 days to make changes in your life and work towards new goals. I encourage you to reflect this week about areas of your life that you want to improve and set attainable goals to make positive changes.

If you're looking to improve your financial health in 2022, check out the BALANCE blog below for a few tips. Also, be sure to subscribe to my weekly blog posts for encouragement and tips to keep you on track throughout the year. 

Here's What Will Really Help You Find the Best Car Loan and Car Loan Rates

If you're shopping for a car, chances are you're also shopping for a car loan. The interest rate on your car loan has one of the biggest impacts on the overall cost of your car. While the dealership may advertise amazing rates that seem impossible to beat, the truth is you can get a far better rate if you know how to shop. Here are some surprising secrets that will help you get a great rate on your car loan.

Buying an automobile does not happen every day, and that adds a layer of unfamiliarity to the process. Researching the best cars available and securing a car loan presents a specific set of challenges.

Shopping for and buying used cars is not something most people do every day, which means the task can be quite daunting – especially if it's your first time trying to find the best used cars and a great car loan to go with it. To make sure you get a fair deal on the used car of your choice, prepare yourself for the search, negotiation, and financing process by considering the following used car buying tips.

If you're contemplating a car purchase, you are likely looking for ways to save. After all, spending several thousands of dollars on a vehicle is not something to do without careful thought. One way you can save is through timing your car purchase. By buying your car and getting a car loan at the right time, you can save substantially. Here are the secrets to helping you save through proper timing on your car purchase.

The surging real estate market shows no signs of slowing down, and that creates opportunities and challenges for buyers.