Category Archives: Credit & Debt

Student Loans · July 27, 2016

Teach Your Children Well-Part 4: Have the College Cost Conversation Early

I see parents let down their college bound kids all the time. Not because they can’t afford to foot the often insanely high bill for a four-year private college education, but because they don’t explain the family’s college finance reality…

Read Now ›

Saving, Student Loans · July 13, 2016

Teach Your Children Well-Part 2: Instill the Pleasure of Saving

You know your kids are sponges. So let me ask you a question: what lessons about saving are they absorbing from you? I can’t overstress the importance of instilling an appreciation for saving.

Read Now ›

Debt, Student Loans · June 29, 2016

A Taxing Reason to Not Buy a Home

There are two potentially large tax breaks that come with buying a home. But listen to me: I never think it is a good idea to factor in the tax breaks when deciding if you are ready to buy your…

Read Now ›

Home Loans · June 22, 2016

Step 4: Closing the Deal: Scour your all-in Mortgage Costs

It takes a hefty wad of money to get a mortgage. It’s typical for all the fees associated with securing a mortgage—called Closing Costs-to add up to 2% or more of the loan. That’s a stiff $4,000 or so on…

Read Now ›

Emergency Funds, Home Loans, Saving · June 15, 2016

Step 3: Get to the Point: When It Pays to Buy Down Your Mortgage

Lenders like to give home borrowers choices when it comes to their mortgage rate. You’ll always be presented with a standard rate: what you qualify for based on how the lender sizes up your financial profile (credit score, income, debts…

Read Now ›

Home Loans, Investing · June 8, 2016

Suze’s Mortgage Tip #2: Know the Down Side of Making a Small Low Down Payment.

My absolute best advice is to strive to make a 20% down payment when you buy a home. I know that can be a lot of money. But hear me out. What you need to understand is that a small…

Read Now ›

Home Loans · June 1, 2016

Suze’s Mortgage Tip #1: Shop Around

It amazes me that so many homebuyers who spent weeks, if not months, hunting around for the best home, don’t shop around as diligently for the best mortgage.

Read Now ›

Home Loans, Investing, Saving · April 20, 2016

Turn a Child/Grandchild’s Summer Job into a Retirement Windfall.

If you have a child or grandchild who is going to get paid for work this summer, I want you to consider a way to gift them a valuable retirement stake.

Read Now ›

Credit Cards, Saving, Student Loans · April 13, 2016

Credit Card Industry Set to Rake in an Extra $30 Billion. How to Avoid Paying Your Part.

If you have unpaid credit card balances, your situation could soon progress from very expensive to ridiculously expensive.

Read Now ›