It’s a novel idea for any state that wants to attract skilled professionals—in exchange for moving there, they will pay off your student loan debt. Illinois is doing just that, as they have recently joined Maryland in launching a “SmartBuy” program that pays off your student loans if you get a mortgage in their state.…...
Category: Business
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Go Ahead and Accept That Credit Limit Increase
The next time your credit card company offers a no-strings-attached credit limit increase, go ahead and say yes. Why? Because it’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your credit score. You just have to make sure you don’t actually make use of the increased credit limit just because it’s there. Read more…
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When to Consider an FHA-Backed Mortgage
If you’re of moderate income and are thinking of buying your first home, it’s worth looking into an FHA-backed mortgage loan. These loans only require a 3.5% down payment, and often offer lower interest rates compared to conventional loans. On the other hand, there are restrictions and trade-offs to consider, too—so … Read more…
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An Age-By-Age Guide to Teaching Kids About Money
From figuring out how to count change, to the give-save-spend rule, to the pitfalls of credit cards and debit cards, our kids have a lot to learn about money before they go off on their own. It would be great if personal finance was taught in school, but it rarely is, so it’s our job...
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What to Do If You Haven’t Filed Your Taxes in Years
There’s no penalty for filing your taxes late if the IRS owes you money. But if you owe them money, things can get very ugly, very fast. Here’s what you need to know—and do—if you haven’t filed your taxes in years. Read more…
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What Types of Insurance Do You Really Need?
Insurance is a tricky business. There are more types of insurance than you’re ever likely to need, but some of them are absolutely essential, or even required by law. Here’s a look at the kinds of insurance you’ll definitely need to concern yourself with. Read more…
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When Is Leasing a Car Better Than Buying?
Since buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you can make, it’s wise to take a look at all your options. Both leasing and buying have advantages and disadvantages, just like renting versus buying a house. Read more…
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Save Money by Knowing Your Credit Card’s ‘Closing Date’
Even if you dutifully pay off your credit card balance each month, there’s an oft-overlooked way to optimize your credit score—by making debt payments before your balance is reported to the credit bureaus. Many people assume this is the payment due date, but it’s actually the closing date, and not knowing the… Read more…
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Why You Should Pay on Your Credit Card Balance Weekly
Paying your credit cards on time to avoid late fees and interest is a no-brainer. But you can also boost your credit score and reduce interest charges by paying your credit card bill even earlier, perhaps weekly, as its your daily balance that affects how they’re calculated. Here’s what to consider when deciding… Read more…
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Wood Harris Iconic Rise: From “The Wire” to “Empire”
Wood Harris’ antecedent tells the story of someone who has weathered the storm of life to attain success. He is an African-American actor who starred in some of Hollywood’s iconic shows and movies. The Wire and Creed star is arguably one of the best actors to emerge on the TV screen. He has starred in...