Author: Austin Kilham
America’s 10 cheapest states for college
The cost of attending college in the U.S. can be quite expensive. In addition to tuition and fees, students may need to cover the cost of …
Is it really OK to use your 401(k) to buy a home?
Withdrawing money from a 401(k) to buy a house may be allowed by your company-sponsored plan, but this tactic is not always advisable, especially for …
Common budgeting mistakes & how to avoid them
Sure, a budget is an important tool to help you balance your income and your spending, keep your savings on track, and help you avoid debt. …
Here’s how much that dream exotic car will cost you
You’ve probably imagined yourself behind the wheel of a Lamborghini, cruising in a Maserati, or putting the pedal to the metal in a red Ferrari. Exotic …
Yes, you should start retirement planning in your 20s. Here’s why
When you’re starting your career in your 20s, the last thing on your mind may be the end of your career and the retirement that comes …
Can you afford a classic car?
Most people buy cars for practical purposes. They need transportation to get to and from work and to run errands around town. But for classic car …
Can you actually make money renting your car?
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven up rental prices, which may not get back to normal until 2023, according to some experts. In addition, people who are …
Dreaming of sailing on your own boat? Here’s what it’ll cost you
“Boat” can mean a surprisingly large number of things. The types of craft that fall under the category of boat range from kayak to mega yacht. …
How much does it really cost to own an electric car?
At first, electric vehicles were marketed as luxury cars with price tags that put them out of reach for most people. However, as interest in eco-friendly …
Yes, you can increase your car’s value. Here’s how
When you’re ready to sell your car or trade it in for a new model, you’ll discover that your car is no longer worth anywhere near …
12 tips to help you save on your next car
If you’re getting anxious, worrying about how to save money on a car, go no further. We’ve got this. Related: Can I pay off a personal …
Served in the military? You may be eligible for special auto loan refinancing
Refinancing the loan on your vehicle can be an important tool in helping you save money. This is especially true if your financial situation has recently …
Can you extend a lease on a car?
Leasing a car can be a good option for people craving flexibility. They want to drive a relatively new vehicle. And at the end of …
Are student loans tax deductible? A guide to rules & limits
Are student loans tax deductible? You betcha: If you paid on student loans in the prior tax year, you might qualify for the student loan tax …
How long is the average car loan?
Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive …
SIMPLE IRA contribution limits for employers & employees
A SIMPLE IRA, or Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees, is a way for self-employed individuals and small business employers to set up a retirement …
Am I on track for retirement?
If everyone got a dollar every time they wondered, “How much do I need to retire?” we’d all be a lot closer to retiring. …
Understanding property valuations
If you’re applying for a mortgage, you probably expect the lender to take a look at your income, debt, credit history, employment and assets. There’s another …
Traditional IRA income and contribution limits
A traditional IRA is a tax-advantaged investment account that helps individuals save for their retirement. The contributions a person makes are typically fully or partially …
How to win a bidding war on your dream home
In housing markets teeming with buyer demand, it’s not uncommon to put an offer on a home, only to be outdone by a competing offer. …
Should you take out a personal loan to pay off credit cards?
People talk all day long about their workouts, favorite apps and their love lives, but bring up the subject of money, especially credit card debt, and …
6 simple ways to reduce your mortgage payment
It’s often said that your mortgage payment should be no more than 28% of your gross monthly pay. A really conservative take is that your …
The dos & don’ts of using social media for investing tips
Social media has become an important new source for many people, including for investors looking for ideas to guide their strategy. That said, social media users …
Savings goals by age: Smart financial targets by age group
Mapping out your financial future can be daunting, especially if you only have a vague sense of what you want to accomplish. It can …
How to read financial statements: The basics
A company’s financial statements are like a report card that tells investors how much money a company has made, what it spends on and how …
Top 50 safest cities in the US
For many homebuyers, safety is a top concern when shopping for a house. It can influence where you feel comfortable living, and safety ratings can have …
Tips for buying a home in the winter
Sunny days can mean that more people are primed to go out and look at houses. There’s the common adage that spring or summer is one …
When to count your home equity as part of your net worth
Your home may be your largest asset, but should you include it in your net worth calculations? In some situations, it’s a good idea, and in …
How to calculate stock profit
You’ve just sold some of your stocks and were lucky enough to make a profit. Now, like Scrooge McDuck rubbing his hands together with dollar signs …
8 steps to buying a vacation home
If you’re like many Americans, you dream of having a beach house, a desert escape, or a mountain hideaway. Perhaps you’re tired of staying at hotels …
