Finance Archives

April 13, 2008

What Every Consumer Should Know About Payday Loans

A Crash Course on Payday Loans and Alternatives

They seem to be in every neighborhood and their commercials invade our TV, but are payday loans really the great idea they make themselves out to be? The industry has come under fire from many consumer advocates, claiming these companies are nothing more than predatory lenders at their worst. Others insist they offer a much-needed service. Who's right? They both are.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 2:06 PM | Permalink

April 7, 2008

Is Now the Time to Invest In Real Estate?

What You Need to Know Before You Invest In Real Estate

Many consumers are wondering whether or not now is the right time to invest in real estate. After all, it's definitely a buyer's market and in some areas real estate prices are at an all-time low. But is now really the right time to invest? Before you jump into the real estate market, there are some things you need to consider.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 9:57 PM | Permalink

March 4, 2008

3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Finances

How To Keep Your Finances Stable in an Unstable World

If the recession happens and/or gets worse, as many predict it will, there are things we need to think about. How will we pay our bills? Are our jobs at risk? How can we recession-proof our finances? While I can't fix everything for you, I can give you some tips to help you prepare for the worse. Here's some sound advice, whether the recession hits or doesn't.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 8:37 PM | Permalink

February 22, 2008

Are Falling Home Prices The Ruin of the Future?

What You Need to Know About Falling Home Prices

There's no way to deny it, many areas in America are facing falling home prices. Is this just a temporary set-back, or a darker picture of things to come? If you bought your home when the market was booming, there are some things you need to think about.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 7:33 PM | Permalink

January 9, 2008

Not All Online Tax Websites Are Created Equal

Wondering Which Online Tax Websites Offer the Most Bang for Their Buck?

It probably goes without saying, but not all tax websites are the same. Some are easier to use, some are cheaper and some offer more personalized service. The question is, out of all of the tax sites out there, which one is the best? There isn't really a clear-cut answer since no one has the exact same needs during tax season. I have, however, researched quite a few of these sites in depth. Here are the details on some of the best.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 12:18 PM | Permalink

January 2, 2008

Are You Ready for Tax Season?

Tax Season Is Right Around The Corner

Well, 2007 is officially over and 2008 is here. You know what that means! No, I'm not talking about sticking to your New Year's resolutions. I'm talking about tax season. If you haven't thought about how you're going to handle your taxes this year, you need to get a move on. Here are your top options.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 1:38 PM | Permalink

December 23, 2007

Is a Reverse Mortgage Really a Bad Thing?

What You Should Know About a Reverse Mortgage

The words "reverse mortgage" stir up lots of emotions. Anger, fear – even loathing. But are reverse mortgages really a bad thing? The answer to that question is a resounding "No!" If you've been led to believe that all reverse mortgage products are a nightmare waiting to happen, here are a few things you need to know.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 1:49 PM | Permalink

October 1, 2007

Are Car Loans at 0% Always as Good as They Seem?

Car Loans Explained:

Car loans at 0% interest have been incredibly popular for the last six months. At first glance, they seem to be a great choice -- and for many consumers they can be. But we’d like to alert you to some concerns we have about car loans at 0%. There are some things you really need to know...

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Posted by Max Anderson at 10:50 PM | Permalink

June 26, 2007

Medical Expenses Don't Have To Bleed You Dry

Cutting Back on Medical Expenses

If you don't have health insurance, medical expenses can literally bankrupt you. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the ridiculously high costs of health care. While these tips may not be as good as actually have an employer-paid health care policy, they are the next best thing.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 12:57 PM | Permalink

February 19, 2007

Tips on Paying Off a Mortgage Early

Is Paying Off a Mortgage Early a Good Idea?

Many consumers are confused about whether or not paying off a mortgage early is a good idea. Below you’ll find some helpful information about paying off a mortgage early.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

January 28, 2007

What You Should Know Before Getting a Home Equity Line of Credit

Deciding on a Home Equity Line of Credit

If you own a primary residency, a home equity line of credit could be useful when you are really experiencing a financial pinch. There are several benefits to a home equity line of credit compared to other forms of borrowing. The article will examine the advantages and disadvantages of a home equity line of credit, so as a careful consumer you will know when it is a good idea to get a home equity line of credit.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 9:09 PM | Permalink

January 14, 2007

Filing Your Taxes Electronically

What is the Best Way to File Your Taxes?

It is tax time again and the deadline to complete your income taxes of April 15th is just around the corner. One decision that must be made is whether to file a paper or electronic tax return. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches when filing your taxes.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 8:21 PM | Permalink

December 10, 2006

Tips for Completing Your Income Tax Forms

Should You Get Assistance Preparing Your Taxes?

With the 2007 tax season approaching quickly after the New Year, you might have already begun thinking about tax preparation. As a consumer, you have several choices for preparing your annual income tax. You can prepare your income tax yourself, use a tax preparation service, or go to an accountant.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 10:44 PM | Permalink

October 22, 2006

What You Need To Know Before Buying A Home

You Need To Read This Before Buying A Home

Buying a home can be a big step for many individuals. It is part of the American dream and is one of the best investments you can make. However, there are some things you should know before you purchase your first home. Buying a home requires some planning and preparation, so do your homework first.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 9:43 PM | Permalink

October 14, 2006

Medical Spending Account

How to Make Your Medical Spending Account Work for You

It’s that time of year again. The time of year that requires an in-depth look at your medical spending account. The end of the year is approaching faster than many of us realize. If you have money in your medical spending account, you should try to use it up.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 5:15 PM | Permalink

August 29, 2006

Looking for a Free Checking Account?

Make Sure You Clarify the “Free” in Free Checking Account When Opening One

Getting a free checking account is not a difficult to feat to accomplish. However, finding a free checking account that really is “free” can be another matter altogether. While many banks offer free checking accounts nowadays, some of them also feature a variety of hidden charges. If you want a truly “free” checking account, there are some things you need to look for.

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