Author: Kim Franke-Folstad
Gas bill through the roof? This could be why
The average cost of gas per month in the U.S. has hovered around $60 in recent years. Your household’s cost could be much lower or higher, …
6 no-fuss ways to start paying off all your debt now
It isn’t the $5 cups of coffee. Or the $50 a month for the gym. It isn’t that new smartphone, or your shoe addiction, or even …
24 best-paying side jobs for teachers
Teaching can be a rewarding profession, but it typically isn’t a high-paying one. If you’re a teacher, it won’t surprise you to learn that 58% of …
Kansas first-time homebuyer assistance programs
Though their housing market is generally known for being more affordable than most, first-time homebuyers in Kansas are facing many of the same challenges as …
First-time homebuyer assistance programs in Utah
It would be tough to pick a more pleasant place than Utah to buy a home, whether you’re into enjoying the great outdoors or prefer …
First-time homebuyer programs in Arkansas
If you’re a first-time homebuyer hoping to put down roots in the “Natural State,” better pack your patience. In mid-2022, first-time homebuyers in Arkansas …
Oregon first-time homebuyer assistance programs
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Oregon, here’s some good news: Several programs — both statewide and local — offer help with finding an affordable …
North Carolina first-time homebuyer programs
Whether you’re looking for coastal charm, a quirky mountain town, big-city amenities and sports teams, or something in between, you’re likely to find it in …
Guide to first-time homebuyer assistance programs in Kentucky
The housing market is booming in the Bluegrass State. According to Redfin, the median home price in Kentucky went from $219,800 in April 2021 …
A first-time homebuyer’s guide to Arizona
First-time homebuyers in Arizona are facing many of the same challenges as buyers across the rest of the country. Thanks to high prices, low Inventory, …
Illinois first-time homebuyer programs
Thanks to high prices, low Inventory, and fierce competition from outside investors and cash buyers, diving into a strong seller’s market as a first-time buyer …
How to find the best mortgage rates in Hawaii as a first-time homebuyer
Owning a home in Hawaii is a dream shared by many islanders (and people around the world who hope to be islanders someday). But it …
6 ways to protect your money from inflation
Inflation has been squeezing — and infuriating — U.S. consumers for a long time now. What began as an annoyance (an extra pinch at the gas …
Should you have a weekly budget? Here are the pros & cons
No matter what your financial goals might be — paying down student loans, saving for a new car or house, or just getting a better grip …
Can this strategy help you save money on your mortgage?
If you’re shopping for a home loan, you may be wondering if using mortgage points to “buy down” your interest rate is a good move for …
You may be surprised by how much you can take out in personal loans
If you’re preparing to make a major purchase, do some home improvements, or consolidate debt, you might be wondering how much you can borrow with a …
Looking for home sweet home? You may have more options than you think
If someone asked you to describe your “dream home,” what picture would pop into your mind? A single-family home with a big backyard, or a …
Does your state have the highest average student loan debt?
There’s no question that furthering your education can be an expensive endeavor. Almost a third of all American students take on some level of debt …
These 12 staging tips could help you sell your home
If you want to sell your home faster and for the highest possible price, you may find that it helps to thoughtfully stage it with potential …
What happens to a car loan when someone dies?
Probably the last thing on most car buyers’ minds when they walk into a dealership is the thought that they might die before they manage to …
Is interest on your car loan tax deductible?
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 …
5 companies that offer credit card pre-approval
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 …
Pros & cons of buying a starter home
Young people and professionals who are just starting out often opt to first buy a modest home at an affordable price. It sounds like a good …
6 ways to organize your bills
Making sure all of your bills are paid on time every month can be a tedious and time-consuming task. But it’s also an important one. …
A guide to getting through financial hardship
If you’re suffering through a period of financial hardship—whether it was caused by a loss of income, a medical emergency or some other challenging situation—you’re not …
How to negotiate medical bills
Facing a staggering medical bill can feel overwhelming, but if you find yourself struggling to pay, don’t give up hope. You may be able to work …
Strategies to lower your energy bill when working from home
One of the obvious perks of working from home is the opportunity to cut some expenses. If you’re no longer commuting every day, cooking more instead …
Should you ever use your 401(k) to pay down debt?
You have debt. But you’ve also got a stash of cash in your 401(k). If you’re feeling overwhelmed by high-interest credit card balances, a student loan, and/or …
4 financial new year’s resolutions your future self will thank you for
You can usually guess someone’s New Year’s resolution because it often involves losing weight, getting into better shape or cooking more nutritious meals. Look, …
How to plan the ultimate debt payoff strategy
Debt often has a negative connotation, but there are plenty of good reasons to have it — for example, using student loans to increase your …
