Every student and family should know what FAFSA stands for before applying for any student loans. For the record, it’s an acronym for Free Application for Student Aid and is the starting point for all financial aid decisions. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) gives you an indication of just how important FAFSA is when […]

You may want to consult with a tax professional to make sure that you are making a decision that is best for your unique circumstances. Here are some options to consider: Keep your 401(k) with your previous employer In this instance, you won’t change a thing. Just make sure that you actively monitor your investments […]

Before you take out a loan, it’s important to understand that a loan is a legal obligation that makes you responsible for repaying the amount you borrow with interest. Even though you don’t have to begin repaying your federal student loans right away, you shouldn’t wait to understand your responsibilities as a borrower. Be a […]

If you have an unpaid healthcare bill, here’s what you can do to protect your finances You do everything you think you’re supposed to. You maintain good health insurance. You choose in-network doctors and hospitals. You pay the bills you think you owe. But despite your best efforts, you could still wind up having problems with a […]

When you invest, you purchase something with the expectation of profiting off of it in the future. In the 1990s, some people thought they were making smart “investments” in Beanie Babies and McDonald’s toys. But traditional investments include things like ownership in a business, real estate assets, or lending money to a person or company […]

Filing for bankruptcy is a legal process that either reduces, restructures or eliminates your debts. Filing bankruptcy with a court is the first step. You can file on your own or you can file with an attorney. Bankruptcy costs include attorney fees and filing fees. If you file on your own, you will still be responsible for […]

A student loan is money you can borrow from the U.S. Department of Education or a private organization to pay for college and repay later with interest. There are many long-term benefits to earning your college degree, but there are also significant financial implications that you have to consider. A student loan is money you borrow […]

Having an excellent credit score can save you a lot of money in interest over time. If your score is already in the 700s, you’re in good shape, but you can always take it from good to great. You probably already know that your credit score is a three-digit number based on the information in […]

A credit repair company is an organization that offers to improve your credit in exchange for a fee. If you have been working on improving your credit score by lowering the amount of debt you owe, but your scores are not going up and you are getting frustrated over the situation, you should find a fast […]

When you miss a payment on most debts, your account will be in default at that time or shortly afterward. For instance, when you fall behind on a credit card payment or mortgage loan, the lender is usually very quick to let you know that your loan is in default. But default doesn’t happen right away when it […]