Author: Jamie Cattanach
25 Cheapest Places to Live in Washington, From Retirement Havens to Nature Getaways
Washington is a state of dichotomies: high tech companies and agriculture, densely packed coastal cities just two hours from Olympic National Park’s wide-open landscapes, international seafood …
Average Funeral Costs in the US (& How to Pay for One)
Life is expensive. And unfortunately, with a wide array of funeral-related costs, so is death. So much so, in fact, that some people turn to funeral …
25 Cheapest Places to Live in California
Frankly, when it comes to affordable places to live, California as a whole does not readily spring to mind. In fact, according to MERIC data from …
Running Out of Money? Focus on Getting These 10 Things Done First
There’s no feeling in the world quite like running out of money before your next paycheck hits — and it’s not a good sensation. It can …
10 Travel Destinations Inspired by Your Favorite TV Shows
More than ever, travelers are taking inspiration from their favorite streaming and TV shows when choosing their next travel destination — a trend known as set-jetting. …
Help! I Got Scammed! What Do I Do Now?
You might associate scams with far-fetched ruses about foreign “princes” or emails, full of misspellings, that claim to be from your bank. And you might think …
I Make $90,000 a Year. How Much House Can I Afford?
I Make $90,000 a Year, How Much House Can I Afford? Earning $90,000 a year puts you in a good position to afford a home priced …
25 Cheapest Places to Live in Wyoming
With big skies, low population density, and no individual state income tax, it’s no surprise Wyoming beckons. Still, some Wyoming cities (like Casper) are more affordable …
Can I Refinance My FHA Loan This Year?
For first-time buyers — or anyone facing financial hurdles — getting an FHA loan can help make homeownership a reality. With insurance from the Federal Housing …
Do you need credit card counseling? How to tell
Credit counseling services can be a smart way to access professional financial advice at a low cost — or, in some cases, even for free. Usually …
Which do you actually need: Nonprofit credit counselors or debt relief companies?
When you’re struggling with debt, a little bit of help can go a long way — and a lot of help can go even further. But …
Calculator: How high will your FHA loan closing costs be?
It’s not news that FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans can be a great way for first-time homebuyers to break into the market. They’re government-backed and tend …
Watch out! Payday loans are still around … and they cost more than ever
Payday loans are called that because they’re meant to be paid back the next time you get a paycheck. They’re generally for small amounts, and usually …
How much will moving to Virginia set me back?
Average Cost of Living in Virginia: $48,249 per year Good news for those drawn to the land of America’s forefathers: All told, Virginia’s cost of living …
Banking on Biden’s student loan relief? How to find other ways to pay off those loans
With the pandemic-related pause on federal student loan repayment ending on September 1, 2023 (and first payments due October 1), you may be wondering if there …
Can I afford to live in Pennsylvania?
Average Cost of Living in Pennsylvania: $49,040 per year On a cost of living level, Pennsylvania is about midway down. According to the 2022 MERIC cost of …
From patios to poofs: These are the best times of year to buy furniture
The best time of year to buy furniture depends on which kind of furniture you’re talking about. Here are some rules of thumb to keep in …
Can I actually afford to live in Oregon?
Average Cost of Living in Oregon: $47,779 per year Oregon may be one of the most beautiful states in the union, but unfortunately, it’s not one …
You’ll never guess how much it costs to live in Georgia
Average Cost of Living in Georgia: $43,482 per year If you’re considering relocating to Georgia, here’s some good news for your monthly budget: Georgia enjoys the fifth-lowest …
How much does it cost to live in Illinois?
From the bright lights and big cities to the endless waving seas of agricultural fields, Illinois truly has something for everybody — which is probably why …
Can you really afford to live in Florida?
Average Cost of Living in Florida: $50,689 per year If you dream of days spent on sandy Florida beaches, your wallet is in luck. Florida residents …
Just how much will living in D.C. set you back?
Ah, the nation’s capital. Known for its unparalleled cultural attractions — many of which are free — along with its professional-yet-swank mid-Atlantic attitude, D.C. is a …
Free entertainment & more ways to live a fun, frugal lifestyle
Here are five tips on how to be more frugal and save money — without giving up all the fun (and caffeine) in your life. 1. Reform Fixed …
Nearly 1/3 of Americans plan to move this year. Here’s why
Dreamily browsing real estate marketplaces — or already packing boxes? You’re not alone: Almost a third of Americans are contemplating a move in 2023, according to …
Does a no-closing-cost refinance makes sense for me?
A no-closing-cost refinance sounds divine, but it’s important to understand that you will either roll the closing costs into the new mortgage or exchange them for …
25 ways to find affordable housing
Finding a nice place to live when you don’t have a lot of money to drop on rent each month can be challenging, especially in certain …
Residual income: What it is & how to earn it
No matter how much money you’re earning, chances are good you sometimes wish you had a bit more. Even if you’re not thinking of making a …
Thinking about getting a reverse mortgage? Read this first
If you’re at or nearing retirement age and looking for a way to generate cash flow, a reverse mortgage can seem like a great idea, especially …
Have family in the military? Don’t miss this student aid option
Military members, veterans, and their families have some special options when it comes to funding higher education, and given the cost of attending college, they’re well …