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The Housing Market’s Crazy. Before You Buy a Home, Do These 6 Things.

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners . The housing market is turbocharged these days because of a shortage of homes for sale is leading to heavy competition between home buyers. That keeps pushing home prices higher and higher. If you’re looking to buy a home, you better buckle up. The housing market remains hot, even though things might be starting to slow down just a little bit, according to news sources like CNBC and The Wall Street Journal, among others. Low mortgage rates continue to spur robust demand, and the number of houses for sale is well below normal. If you want to buy your own home, you’ll need to be smart and strategic about it. Consider these six tips: 1. Boost Your Credit Score Looking to buy a home? Then there’s something you need to start thinking about right now: Your credit score. We know that sounds boring, but it’s actu

Investing for Beginners: Start Here if You Don’t Know Anything

You’ve probably heard that investing is one of the best ways to put your money to work. But if you’ve never put money in the stock market, the prospect can be overwhelming. What investments should you choose? How much money does it take to get started? And what kind of account is right for you? Investing may seem intimidating, so it’s important to learn the basics. We’ll explore different types of investments, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit and retirement savings plans like 401(k)s. We’ll also discuss where to actually invest your money, such as tax-advantaged investment accounts, robo-advisors and online brokers. Finally, we’ll detail some key concepts and strategies to guide you on your investing journey. Investing for beginners doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to get started. What Should I Invest in? 5 Types of Investments for Beginners Investing is a way to build wealth by purchasing assets that you anticipate will grow in value ov

Is Your Skincare Routine Worth the Price Tag?

If you like to take care of your skin, you’re probably already resigned to the fact that skincare products are not cheap. The worst part is, those tiny bottles of serum and moisturizer always seem to run out faster than you expect. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pamper your skin without busting your budget? As it turns out, there’s a way you can do just that – and it’s the approach dermatologists have used for years. We called up a dermatologist to get the scoop on what skincare products are actually worth spending money on – and which ones you can probably ditch altogether. Simplify Your Routine With the popularity of the 10-step Korean beauty trend, many consumers have spent more money by adding steps to their routine. But Dr. Neelam Khan, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C., worries that a longer routine makes it harder for people to stay consistent. Instead, she prefers a simple routine she learned in medical school. In the morning, you should: Use a

Seasonal Merchandise Appears Early but is Gone Fast Too

From candy to tableware and decorations and even clothing, seasonal merchandise is everywhere. Sometimes months before the holiday, be it Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or Valentine’s Day. But this year, here’s a tip: Don’t wait to buy what you want. It may be gone before the holiday  even appears on the calendar. And don’t expect those blow-out post-holiday sales that have let you stock up on seasonal merch for next year. You’ll likely find better prices at discount retailers but this year what may bug shoppers more than sticker price is the lack of availability of seasonal items as a specific holiday gets closer. You want Thanksgiving placemats and napkins? Buy well before Halloween. “What we are definitely seeing, and I’ve been seeing for the last few years, is an increase in customers’ appetite for seasonal products, whether it be Christmas or Halloween or Easter,” said Lisa Surella, vice president and general merchandise manager for Bealls Outlet stores. COVID Pandemic Has

Best Debit Card For Kids: Why You Should Consider a Debit Card for Your Child

Are you considering getting a debit card for your child? As kids get older, the thought of giving them more control over their money can be scary. As parents, we worry about whether they’ll make smart decisions regarding savings and spending. Thankfully, there are debit cards designed specifically for kids. With features like parental controls, roundup savings, autopay for chores, and more, kids’ debit cards can alleviate parents’ fears while giving kids the freedom to learn how to manage their money properly. This article will review the features and benefits of the most popular debit cards parents are using with their kids. We’ll also explain why you might want to consider getting a debit card for your kid. Table of Contents Why You Should Consider a Debit Card for Your Kid Teach Them Money Management Skills Make the Connection Between Work and Money Make Your Life Easier What are the Best Debit Cards for Kids? 1. Current 2. FamZoo  3. Greenlight 4.  GoHenry 5. Bus

Stay Motivated to Save Money With Mint’s Custom Wallpapers!

We all have reasons to save — whether it’s to work up to a big purchase, pay off our debts, or just to have a little extra buffer.  It’s something we have to work at little by little, and there are a million different ways we can put away a few more dollars from every paycheck. Studies also show that implementing daily reminders have the potential to significantly boost the chances of you reaching your goals.  What better way to get your daily reminder than from your phone lock screen? Here are some motivational wallpapers that can help you stay on track towards your savings goals. You can download them here . If you have a hard time saying no to any and all dinner invites: If you’ve got a trip on the horizon, but can’t see past next week: If you’re the type that struggles to save because you spend the majority of your paycheck in the first week: If you have some things you’re trying to save up for, but can never say no to a good sale:  If you’re a sucker for late-night f

With Credit Sesame, He Raised His Credit Score Nearly 170 Points

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners . Lorenzo Frias has specific financial goals in life, including buying a better car and someday buying his own home. But all of that came to a screeching halt when he found out his credit wasn’t good. In fact, his credit was so poor that he couldn’t even get a credit card — let alone a car loan or a mortgage, which are harder to get than a credit card. It turned out his goals were way out of reach. What was his credit score? “It was 523, to be exact,” he says. “To be honest, it was pretty bad.” Late payments to an American Express card had pretty much ruined his credit. Your credit score is like your financial fingerprint, and a score below 600 makes you ineligible for most loans or credit cards. Frias puts it bluntly. “It’s embarrassing,” he says. “I realized there were definitely some things I needed to

Is a $92/Month Raise Enough for the Average Social Security Recipient?

If you’re on Social Security, you can expect your checks to increase by 5.9% in January. That’s the biggest cost-of-living adjustment recipients have seen since 1982. Here’s what that will look like for the average recipient: Retired workers will get an extra $92 a month on average, bringing the average monthly benefit to $1,657. Disabled workers will get an extra $76 a month on average, bringing the average monthly benefit to $1,358. The maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit for individuals will increase by $47 a month, bringing the maximum monthly benefit to $841. A 5.9% COLA sounds pretty generous, considering that Social Security benefits increased by just 1.3% in 2021. But as prices for everything from groceries to housing skyrocket, will an extra $92 a month really be enough for the average retiree? Why a 5.9% COLA Isn’t Great News If you receive Social Security benefits, you may find that an extra $92 a month doesn’t stretch very far. Soaring inflation is t