You’re in the market for a new credit card, but you’re not quite sure what the difference is between the various card options available. By now you’ve read a little about secured, unsecured, and prepaid cards, but how does each actually work? And more importantly, what’s the difference between them? By understanding the differences in [...]

Remember that shiny new credit card you got in the mail shortly after you turned 18? After a few trips to the mall and your local Starbucks, that little piece of plastic had you deep in debt and unable to keep up with payments. Eventually, you could no longer pay on it and your credit [...]

It all started so innocently. You took out a short-term loan one December to help you meet all your gift-giving obligations, but when the payment came due, you had to take out another loan to cover it. Then a year later, with that loan still in the process of being paid, you had to take [...]

If you are new to the world of home loans, the number of options at your disposal is enough to make your head spin. You know all about the basic “new purchase” mortgage and what it entails, but have never given much thought to the others: refinance, home equity, home improvement, debt consolidation and loan [...]

Determine the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Toward College Costs As a parent, how much you are expected to contribute toward your child’s college education is determined by the federal government based on information you provide in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In the application process, you are asked to provide information regarding [...]

Before entering into a plan, consider how you will pay back the money you borrow. Some plans set a minimum monthly payment that includes a portion of the principal (the amount you borrow) plus accrued interest. But, unlike with typical installment loan agreements, the portion of your payment that goes toward principal may not be [...]

Many of the costs of setting up a home equity line of credit are similar to those you pay when you buy a home. For example: -A fee for a property appraisal to estimate the value of your home; -An application fee, which may not be refunded if you are turned down for credit; -Up-front [...]

If you decide to apply for a home equity line of credit, look for the plan that best meets your particular needs. Read the credit agreement carefully, and examine the terms and conditions of various plans, including the annual percentage rate (APR) and the costs of establishing the plan. Remember, though, that the APR for [...]