Author: Kim Franke-Folstad

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Gas bill through the roof? This could be why

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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, …

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6 no-fuss ways to start paying off all your debt now

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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 …

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24 best-paying side jobs for teachers

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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 …

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Kansas first-time homebuyer assistance programs

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  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 …

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First-time homebuyer assistance programs in Utah

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  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 …

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First-time homebuyer programs in Arkansas

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  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 …

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Oregon first-time homebuyer assistance programs

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  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 …

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North Carolina first-time homebuyer programs

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  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 …

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Guide to first-time homebuyer assistance programs in Kentucky

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  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 …

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A first-time homebuyer’s guide to Arizona

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  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, …

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Illinois first-time homebuyer programs

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  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 …

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How to find the best mortgage rates in Hawaii as a first-time homebuyer

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  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 …

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6 ways to protect your money from inflation

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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 …

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Should you have a weekly budget? Here are the pros & cons

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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 …

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Can this strategy help you save money on your mortgage?

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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 …

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You may be surprised by how much you can take out in personal loans

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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 …

FeaturedHome BuyingMoney

Looking for home sweet home? You may have more options than you think

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  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 …

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Does your state have the highest average student loan debt?

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  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 …

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These 12 staging tips could help you sell your home

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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 …

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What happens to a car loan when someone dies?

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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 …

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Is interest on your car loan tax deductible?

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  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 …

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5 companies that offer credit card pre-approval

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  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 …

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Pros & cons of buying a starter home

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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 …

Money

6 ways to organize your bills

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  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. …

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A guide to getting through financial hardship

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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 …

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How to negotiate medical bills

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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 …

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Strategies to lower your energy bill when working from home

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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 …

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Should you ever use your 401(k) to pay down debt?

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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 …

Money

4 financial new year’s resolutions your future self will thank you for

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  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, …

Money

How to plan the ultimate debt payoff strategy

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  Debt often has a negative connotation, but there are plenty of good reasons to have it — for example, using student loans to increase your …