Author: Alene Laney

Featured

Brand Price Breakdowns: Are Cloth Diapers Really Cheaper Than Disposable Ones?

Written by:

Babies can change a parent’s life in all kinds of wonderful ways. But make no mistake, raising a child doesn’t come cheap. As many new families …

Featured

I Make $65,000 a Year. How Much House Can I Afford?

Written by:

I Make $65,000 a Year, How Much House Can I Afford? On a salary of $65,000 per year, as long as you have very little debt, …

Featured

I Make $45,000 a Year. How Much House Can I Afford?

Written by:

On a salary of $45,000 per year, you can afford a house priced at around $120,000 with a monthly payment of $1,050 for a conventional home …

Featured

I Make $40,000 a Year, How Much House Can I Afford?

Written by:

On a salary of $40,000 per year, you can afford a house priced at around $100,000-$110,000, assuming you have some money — say, $10,000 or $15,000 …

Featured

Are Subprime Mortgages Worth the Risks?

Written by:

What Are Subprime Mortgages and What Are Their Risks? Subprime mortgages allow borrowers with lower credit scores to obtain homeownership, but the homebuyers pay a steep …

Featured

How Long Should It Really Take For The IRS To Process Your Taxes?

Written by:

Waiting for the IRS to process your federal tax return? You might be wondering how long it takes for your tax return to come back. If …

Featured

Your Ultimate 2024 Home Inspection Checklist

Written by:

A home inspection is an examination of the home’s structure and mechanical systems. It’s typically performed during the escrow period of a real estate transaction so …

Featured

Only 7 states have rent control. Is yours one of them?

Written by:

Rent prices are on the rise. According to the latest data from Rent.com, in August 2023, the national median rent ticked up to $2,052 per month. …

Featured

Can’t get a mortgage? This alternative to score you that dream home, after all

Written by:

When you miss qualifying for a mortgage, you may be wondering if you have any options for buying a home. One avenue you might be researching …

Featured

I bought a home in 2023. What are my taxes going to look like?

Written by:

Of all the details that come across your plate when you’re buying a home, one of the questions you might be asking is, “How does buying …

Featured

How to buy a home with the lowest down payment possible

Written by:

Many prospective homeowners think they need 20% down in order to buy a home, but that’s not necessary for many people buying property. What’s more, opting …

Featured

Need a flexible work schedule? These remote jobs may be the perfect fit for you

Written by:

In the not-too-distant past, when couples had kids, one partner stayed home — and essentially gave up their career for a while. Today, however, more companies …

Featured

I’m getting a manufactured home. How long will it take to build?

Written by:

A manufactured home is built in a factory according to HUD standards. The home, which usually has one, two, or three sections, is transported to a …

Featured

Can I write a check to myself?

Written by:

Writing a check to yourself is one way to withdraw money from your bank account or transfer funds from one account to another. While there are …

Featured

Do manufactured homes live up to the hype?

Written by:

A manufactured home is built entirely in a factory and attached to a permanent chassis. Once construction is complete, it is moved to a lot of …

Featured

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund schedule for 2022 & 2023

Written by:

The earned income tax credit directly reduces the amount of income tax owed by lower-income working taxpayers. Depending on a tax filer’s number of children, tax …

FeaturedLifestyleMoney

The most rewarding jobs in America

Written by:

You’ve probably heard that life is too short to spend time on unfulfilling work. While any job can be rewarding, some jobs are inherently better than …

FeaturedLifestyleMoney

27 high-paying, fulfilling jobs for extroverts

Written by:

You know when you’re an extrovert. So does your employer. If your vibrant personality doesn’t feel like a good fit with your current job, you may …

FeaturedMoney

15 frugal ways to avoid paying full price … on everything

Written by:

Want to know how to never pay full price for anything? There are plenty of tips and tricks that can help you get a better deal …

FeaturedHome BuyingMoney

How much home can you really afford?

Written by:

  Both your income and your debt determine how much house you can afford. Mortgage lenders plug these figures into certain calculations and ratios to come …

FeaturedMoney

25 things worth saving up for: #9 will surprise you

Written by:

Each of us has our own agenda in terms of what makes stashing our cash away worthwhile. For some of us, it’s the anticipation of doing …

FeaturedMoney

Inflation blowing your budget? Here’s how to be a savvier spender

Written by:

  Many people seem to feel their money vanishes almost as soon as they get paid. But of course, that’s not the case. They just aren’t …

FeaturedHome BuyingMoney

Is a multi-family home a good investment for you?

Written by:

  Multifamily property has the power to generate cash flow and build wealth. Yet it also has the power to drain you of your free time …

FeaturedMoneyMortgages

18 questions you need to ask before closing a mortgage

Written by:

Hiring a knowledgeable mortgage lender is one of the first steps you’ll take on your journey to homeownership. A good lender could help you make a …