Did the Low Doc Mortgage Go the Way of the Dinosaurs?

Go ahead and ask your average lender about a low doc mortgage. You'll get a variety of responses. Some laugh, others smirk and there are yet others who will reminisce about the days when mortgages were much easier to approve and low doc loans weren't just wishful thinking. Is it true? Has mortgage lending gone back to the stone ages? Here's what you need to know...

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Posted by Max Anderson at 6:25 PM | Permalink

The Financial Repercussions of The Stock Market's Black Monday

When the stock market fell this past Monday, reporters were throwing the words "Black Monday" around as though it was the beginning of the end of America's financial future. Is it really as dire as some have made it sound? Is it the Great Depression all over again? Here are some things to consider, and a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family...

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Posted by Max Anderson at 3:03 PM | Permalink

A Few Tips Regarding Bank Account Security

Think your bank account is safe and sound? You might want to think twice. There's a reason those who lived through the depression era stash "mattress" money in shoe boxes and between box springs. Banks aren't always as reliable as they would have you believe. With some saying the economy is heading for an even harder hit, you need to make sure your bank account is protected. Here are some things to keep in mind...

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Posted by Max Anderson at 10:36 AM | Permalink

A Few Facts about Bridge Loans

Bridge loans are an unconventional form of financing that can be obtained if a property needs to be secured quickly, such as in the event of a fire sale or to prevent a foreclosure. They are temporarily available in lieu of permanent financing, which may be delayed for months or even longer. Ultimately, bridge loans should be paid off by either the sale of the mortgaged property or through refinancing with a conventional loan. But are they a good idea?

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Posted by Max Anderson at 3:19 PM | Permalink

Is The Foreclosure Market Bad For Everyone?

Thanks to the sub-prime mortgage bust, the rate of foreclosures is at an all-time high. Millions of individuals who were provided sub-prime loans have begun to default on their mortgages as the interest rates move from fixed to variable or as the principle balance is added to the monthly payments (for interest-only mortgages). Uneducated homeowners have found themselves stuck with mounting monthly payments that they are unable to afford as the economy sinks into a recession.

Where's the silver lining? The situation has created a new opportunity for individuals seeking to capitalize on falling property values in response to the flooded foreclosure market.

Continue reading "The Foreclosure Market: Invest In Real Estate Now!" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 3:28 PM | Permalink

Can You Deal With The Bear Market?

When the bear is chasing you, it can be difficult to not look over your shoulder to make sure you're maintaining a safe distance. When you're looking over your shoulder, though, you're not looking at where you're going, and you are more likely to trip. If you do trip, any ground you gained while running will quickly be lost! Here's how to safely and wisely manage the bear market circumstances.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 9:54 PM | Permalink

How To Handle Inflation

Inflation rates are climbing as consumer confidence falls, fueling an economic recession. For the first time this millennium, single-month inflation rates topped 5% in June 2008, reflecting an increase in the consumer price index. Most consumers blame this trend on the rising cost of crude oil, which in turn drives higher fuel prices. Higher fuel prices are reflected in the price of every product, from the basic necessities, like food, to larger discretionary purchases.

Continue reading "Inflation: Using Lemons To Make Lemonade" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 9:27 PM | Permalink

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

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

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

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.

Continue reading "Are Falling Home Prices The Ruin of the Future?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:33 PM | Permalink

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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.

Continue reading "Tips for Completing Your Income Tax Forms" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 10:44 PM | Permalink

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

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

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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Posted by Max Anderson at 9:43 PM | Permalink