budget - AskTheMoneyCoach

How Can I Create and Stick To a Budget?

The tough economy has forced many people to get back to the financial basics – including doing something that most individuals dread: budgeting. If you don’t yet have a budget, or if your current budget is constantly out of whack, take heart in knowing that you’re not alone. In fact, 70% of all Americans don’t

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Illustration of a blue cup holding pencils and pens, placed next to a spiral notebook with a "To Do" list written on it, highlighting financial priorities.

Setting Your Financial Priorities This Year

When it comes to setting financial priorities, it’s all about planning and crossing some major “to do’s” off your list as early as possible …. this way you start off the New Year on the right foot and you score some big financial victories early on … to keep you motivated and on track all

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refinance

Do’s and Don’ts When Refinancing Your Home

After owning your home for some time, you might start to consider whether or not you should refinance your mortgage. If interest rates have dropped considerably as they have in recent years, or if your credit has improved dramatically, it’s possible you might be able to get a much better deal on a new mortgage

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lower property taxes

How Can I Lower My Property Taxes?

Excerpted from Your First Home: The Smart Way to Get It and Keep It Proven Strategies to Slash Your Property Tax Bill Almost everyone hates to pay taxes, and it doesn’t matter whether they’re federal income taxes, state taxes, or local taxes on the house you own. Americans dread property taxes more than any other

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A pen lies atop a notice of eviction document, highlighting fields for landlord and tenant information, next to a section indicating unpaid property taxes.

Can I Lose My Home Because of Overdue Property Taxes?

Missing mortgage payments isn’t the only way you can lose your home. Falling behind on your property taxes – no matter whether you owe thousands or just a few hundred dollars – also puts you at risk of foreclosure. In fact, tax lien foreclosures take place every day in America. When you don’t pay property

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red flag, Red Flags That Mortgage Lenders Hate To See

Red Flags That Mortgage Lenders Hate To See

Applying for a mortgage is a major financial step. While a solid credit score and consistent savings will definitely help your application, there are certain mortgage red flags that can instantly reduce your chances of approval—or increase the cost of borrowing. Some are obvious, others are often overlooked. Let’s explore what lenders don’t want to

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529 Plan: Smart College Savings & How It Works

The 529 College Savings Plan Explained

A 529 Plan is a tax-advantaged savings vehicle created to help families save for education costs ranging from K–12 to graduate school. This article explains how a 529 Plan works, who benefits, common pitfalls, and actionable steps to pick and use one effectively. You’ll learn the core rules, state differences, what to avoid, and the

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Walmart scam

Another Financial Scam: This One Involves Walmart

Another financial scam is making the rounds. This one involves Walmart. And it’s happening just in time for the holidays. Here’s the con: Some no-good thieves are calling people on the phone and saying: “You’ve won a $200 Walmart gift card!” To collect your gift card, they say, you just have to pay $1 for

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