Category: Blog

Take These Steps with Your Student Loans

All good things must come to an end—and that applies to the upcoming end of federal student loan payment relief measures, which paused federal student loan debt collection and reduced interest rates on federal student loans to 0% during the moratorium.  For those with government-held loans, the relief options provided a record-long “breather.” Now it’s […]

Understand How Mortgage Rates Are Determined

Every potential homeowner wants to get the lowest interest rate for their mortgage loan, but not everyone understands the factors that go into determining your mortgage interest rate. In addition to your credit score, lenders will use the following factors to determine your interest rate: Home Location: Lenders will often offer different interest rates depending […]

Spring Clean, Spring Ka-Ching!

Did you finish spring cleaning and find a bunch of stuff to sell? Here are some places to unload it all and make some money in the process. eBay This website is accessed by millions of people all over the world. You’re likely to find the right buyers, especially if you’re willing to ship internationally. […]

Your Credit Union: A Safe Harbor

It’s unsettling to see major swings in the stock market, or to observe heated exchanges among political leaders about the best financial course for the country. Turmoil in the economy has many consumers feeling at sea. It’s understandable that you might be concerned or worried. You can be reassured on one point, and that’s the […]

Can Your Credit Limit Decrease?

Have you ever had your credit card denied only to find out that your credit limit had been lowered? According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the credit card issuer can lower your limit at any time, and they are not required to notify you ahead of time. The most common reason a credit card […]

Home Improvement Projects: DIY or Pro?

If you have a home improvement project, should you do it yourself (DIY) or hire a pro? Even if you’re handy with tools and think you can save money, consider these factors first. Check the time Determine the time needed to complete a project. It can be easy to misjudge. Take painting, for example. It […]

Freezer Tips for Smart Savers

No one likes throwing away food, especially if you’re trying to save money. But what do you do with those fresh string beans you got on sale that may not get eaten before they go bad? Freeze them. Follow these handy tips and you’ll be able you to enjoy your favorite foods for months. Vegetables […]

Four Year-End Tips for IRA Owners

As the year comes to an end, here’s advice that can save you money, help you avoid penalties, and ensure that your IRA (individual retirement account) proceeds are distributed as you wish. Have retirement questions or need investment advice? Contact Steve Ellsworth, Wealth Advisor with Extra Credit Investments, at sellsworth@lpl.com or (586) 276-3108.

How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

If you’re trying to build credit or boost your credit score you might be wondering if there is an ideal number of credit cards to have. The truth is there is no perfect number. However, there are factors you should keep in mind when deciding how many credit cards to have. Your credit score is […]