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• Which IRA Is Best?
  IRAs offer you a way to create tax-advantaged retirement savings. But with three flavors to choose from - Roth, deductible or nondeductible - figuring out which IRA is the most appropriate for your retirement savings and investment plan can be confusing.. IRAs offer you a way to c
• Who Can Help Me with My Taxes?
  If you’re like millions of Americans, you may be overwhelmed at the prospect of preparing your tax return. Maybe you’re considering getting some professional help at tax time so you know what papers to collect and what forms to complete.. If you’re like millions of Americans, you may be o
• Tax Issues
  While none of us particularly enjoys having to file and pay taxes it is an important part of our financial planning. Our Tomorrowsmoney.. While none of us particularly enjoys having to file and pay taxes it is an important part of our financial planning. Our Tomorrowsmoney.org website pr
• Refund Anticipation Loans
  If you watch TV, you’ve seen ads for them. If you use a tax preparation center for help in filing your taxes, you’ve heard about them.. If you watch TV, you’ve seen ads for them. If you use a tax preparation center for help in filing your taxes, you’ve heard about them. What are they?
• What if I need help?
  Once you've collected all the necessary paperwork, you might find that you need a little help walking through the process. You have several options: Income tax softwareYou can buy software that will help you prepare and file your taxes..
• Tax Changes that Could Affect Your 2008 Federal Income Tax Bill
  There are a few new changes to the tax law that could affect your 2008 federal income tax bill. These changes are important to know about especially if you’re preparing your own taxes.. There are a few new changes to the tax law that could affect your 2008 federal income tax bill. Thes
• Making Work Pay Tax Credit Boosts Take-Home Pay for Workers, Provides $250 Benefit for Retirees
  The Obama Administration’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus package includes a temporary two-year “Making Work Pay” tax credit. The credit will provide working individuals with a little more money in their paychecks in 2009 and 2010.. The Obama Administration’s American Recovery and R
• What if I, or my spouse, is actively serving in combat zones overseas?
  First, taxpayers covered by military-related tax relief provisions should put the words "COMBAT ZONE" and their deployment date in red ink at the top of their tax returns. If you are active military or a reservist called to active duty you may qualify for two tax breaks..
• The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – What it is and How to Know if You Qualify For it
  Did you know that there is a tax credit for low-income workers that can lower or even eliminate your federal income tax burden? It's called the earned income tax credit (EITC) and it has been helping millions of low-income working families and individuals for nearly 30 years. If you do qualify for a
• Paying for Child Care
  As you think through what type of child care you would like to secure, plan according to your finances. If you don’t already have one, start by . As you think through what type of child care you would like to secure, plan
• Paying for Child Care
  As you think through what type of child care you would like to secure, plan according to your family’s finances. If you don’t already have one, start by . As you think through what type of child care you w
• Filing an Amended Tax Return
  Even if you double checked all your numbers and reviewed every line of your completed federal tax return, it is possible to inadvertently make a mistake. Maybe you forgot about some income you had earned when you received a W. Even if you double-checked all your numbers and reviewed every line of your
• Avoiding Identity Theft and Scams at Tax Time
  Your tax forms and tax-related documents include information that is valuable to identity thieves such as your name, address, birthdate, Social Security number and more. There are simple steps you can take to prevent your identity from being stolen during tax time including: Contact employers and/or
• To Incorporate or Not
  You want to set up your business in the legal structure that makes the most sense for you. This legal structure helps define liability or responsibility for the cost of things that can go wrong.. You want to set up your business in the legal structure that makes the most sense for you. This lega
• Benefits of 529 Plans
  There are numerous benefits to investing in either a 529 prepaid tuition or savings plan: Federal tax advantages. Although you can’t deduct your 529 plan contributions from your federal income taxes (the way you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, for example) the money you invest in e
• First-Time Homebuyers Can Use Tax Credit for Down Payment, Closing Costs for FHA Mortgage
  If you, like many potential home buyers, are leaning toward buying a home in part due to the 8,000 federal tax credit you may be in for a very nice surprise. Instead of having to purchase a home, file a federal income tax return and only then get the tax credit, buyers who choose to apply for a.
• To Rent or to Buy?
  THINGS BEING EQUAL it's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. After all, you build equity and get to write off your mortgage interest.. THINGS BEING EQUAL it's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. After all, you bu
• Additional Assistance
  If you have questions about the EITC, contact the IRS office in your area (look under "Federal Government" in the blue pages section of your phone book) If you have an emergency that is causing a personal financial hardship, you can call the Taxpayer Advocate Service in Kansas City at 816-926-2493.
• If a Beneficiary Does Not Attend College
  Even the best-intentioned plans can change.  If the beneficiary of your 529 prepaid tuition or savings plan chooses not to attend college you have several options for your funds.. Even the best-intentioned plans can change. If the beneficiary of your 529 prepaid tuition or saving
• Financial Tools
  In addition to insurance benefits your employer will likely offer various financial tools that you can use to reduce your taxable income and save for your short-term needs and long-term goals. Health Spending Accounts Healthcare spending accounts provide you with a way to pay for health care expense
• Childcare and Taxpayer Assistance
  Every state gets funds under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to help low-income families pay for childcare. These funds are to first help very low-income families and families with children who have special needs pay for childcare for children/dependents up to age 19..
• Taxes
  Being your own boss creates plusses and minuses on the tax side. Among the plusses are the possibility of deducting business expenses—the use of your car, the use of a home office, the cost of supplies, publications and business entertainment—within the IRS regulations, to reduce your taxable income
• Comparing Plans
  Once you have made the decision to begin saving for a college education, you understand that 529 plans offer a way for your savings to go farther, and you have thought about both your risk tolerance and your child’s age relative to their college entrance date, the next step is to compare possible pl
• Where do I start?
  You'll need to file two separate tax forms - federal and state income taxes. You can get tax forms online at . You'll need to file two separate tax forms - federal and state income taxes. You can get tax forms online at www.irs.gov/formspubs , through the IRS p
• Making Plans for Next Year's Taxes
  After you've hit "send" or dropped your completed tax forms in the mail, take a little time to set yourself up to not find yourself in "tax panic" come next year. Consider creating a budget.. After you've hit "send" or dropped your completed tax forms in the mail, ta
• What the Housing Recovery Bill Could Mean for You
  The housing recovery bill that went into effect on October 1, 2008 has the potential to help millions of American homeowners and homebuyers. There are several ways that you or a loved one may be able to qualify for financial assistance through the bill.. The housing recovery bill
• Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  In addition to simply putting money aside for future medical or healthcare costs in a checking or savings account you may also be able to use something called Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSAs) HSAs can only be used by people that have high-deductible health insurance policies..
• Topics to Discuss
  As the old saying goes, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You’re not going to discuss every financial topic and reach an agreement on all of your priorities in one discussion.. As the old saying goes, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You’re not going to d
• 10 Great Things to Do with Your Tax Refund
  According to the IRS nearly 75% of all Americans will get a tax refund this year, averaging nearly 2,500. Do you anticipate receiving a refund? If so, don’t just rush ahead and spend it.. According to the IRS nearly 75% of all Americans will get a tax refund this year, averaging nearly
• In a Tough Economy, the Federal PLUS Loan May Give Parents Extra Cash Needed for a Child's College Tuition
  If you have a son or daughter in college, the recession may have impacted your savings and investments at a time when you were depending on those resources to pay for college. With lenders tightening up requirements to qualify for personal or home equity loans you may be looking for other financial
• Seasonal Stories
  Fall Home Buying 101 Want to become a homeowner? Wonder what it will take to get there? Click here to check out our new series on "Home Buying 101" - a step-by-step monthly guide to turning the dream of homeownership into a reality . Open Enrollment It's fall - the "open enrollment" season for thous
• What if I've suffered a recent hardship?
  If you've recently suffered a loss such as the death of a family member or loss of a job, and you aren't physically or emotionally able to get everything together needed to file your taxes, it's a wise idea to apply for an extension. To get an extension for your federal taxes, you'll need to complet
• Ongoing Homeownership Responsibilities
  In addition to paying your mortgage there are other financially-related items to keep track of and take advantage of such as deducting the interest on your mortgage from your taxes, considering a home warranty, and keeping home records. Claiming the Mortgage Interest Deduction on Your Taxes There is
• What if I can't pay my tax bill?
  What should you do if you complete your return only to realize that you can't pay your tax obligation? The most important thing to know is that you should NOT delay in filing your taxes because you're not able to pay your tax bill in full. If you don't file you'll have to pay not only the "failure t
• How much home can I afford?
  Buying a home is typically the largest financial commitment most people make. It can also seem like one of the most confusing and overwhelming processes you've ever navigated.. Buying a home is typically the largest financial commitment most people make. It can also seem like one of the most confusing
• Borrowing Against Your Retirement Savings
  While experts don’t recommend tapping into your retirement savings for any reason- because you are putting savings and potential interest and growth opportunities at risk- you may be considering this as one of your only options. Before you do anything, let’s look at what’s involved in borrowing agai
• Borrowing against Your Home’s Value
  If you own your own home you may want to consider taking out a loan against the equity, or savings, you have built up in your home by taking out a home equity loan. If you have good credit – meaning that you have made your monthly mortgage payments in full and on time – you may be eligible to take o
• Bookkeeping
  You are also well advised to keep your personal funds separate from your business funds. If you incorporate, your bank will require your business to have a separate business checking account.. You are also well advised to keep your personal funds separate from your business funds. If you inco
• IOUs Issued by the State of California
  In June of 2009 California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that the state had a 26 billion deficit and, until the budgetary issues are resolved through the state legislature, it will not be able to pay all of its bills or honor all of its financial commitments. Strapped for cash, the state
• Refinancing
  When you buy a home you obtain a mortgage, also called a purchase loan by mortgage professionals. It’s simply a loan to purchase a home.. When you buy a home you obtain a mortgage, also called a purchase loan by mortgage professionals. It’s simply a loan to purchase a home. The bank or f
• What's New This Month
  July '09 : IOUs Issued by the State of California Strapped for cash, the state of California has started issuing more than 3 billion in IOUs to businesses, individual tax payers and county governments to whom it owes money. California state government officials have indicated that the IOUs – which
• Teenagers
  Your teenage children will need to take increasing responsibility for spending and saving and learn from the natural consequences of personal financial choices. Talk with your teen about the values you and your spouse hold regarding money, how those values have shaped your financial choices as a fam
• How Much Should You Save?
  FIRST, THE BAD NEWS: If you have dreams of sending your newborn child to Harvard, you'll have to raise a small fortune to foot the bill. Now, the good news: Thanks to the emergence of 529 plans, saving for college is easier than ever.. FIRST, THE BAD NEWS: If y
• Should You Borrow from Your 401(k) or 403(b)?
  These days more than 85% of workers with 401(k)s can borrow money from their retirement plans. And a growing portion of 403(b) plan participants can too.. These days more than 85% of workers with 401(k)s can borrow money from their retirement plans. And a growing portion of 403(b
• Enrolling In and Contributing to a 529 Plan
  There are two ways you can enroll in a 529 plan: The “Direct Sold” method: all states and the District of Columbia offer 529 plans that permit you to enroll directly. By enrolling directly through the state you will typically pay fewer fees and no sales commissions, unlike 529 plans sold through a p
• Planning for Retirement While You’re in the Military
  Whether or not you, or your spouse, are considering a full career in the military, it is important to think about, prepare and plan for your retirement years. While it can seem like it is very far off and your everyday needs and wants are more important, starting to save for retirement now – even in
• Alternatives to Getting a Refund Anticipation Loan
  There are options likely to be less expensive than an RAL if you need the amount of money that you will get from your tax refund quickly. For example: If you simply want to speed up getting your refund, file your income tax forms online (visit www.IRS.gov ) and you can have your refund check either
• Which way to file?
  Once you've finished getting all your paperwork in order, you'll need to decide HOW you want to file - electronically or by mail. If you want to get your refund as quickly as possible, file online.. Once you've finished getting all your paperwork in order, you'll need to decide HOW you want to file
• Benefits
  Self-employed people have to provide their own benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans that may once have been provided by employers. If you have other employees, you may need to offer benefit plans to them as well.. Self-employed people have to provide their own ben
• Medical Expenses and Taxes
  You may not be aware, but the IRS allows you to deduct medical costs from your federal income tax as long as they total more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.. You may not be aware, but the IRS allows you to deduct medical costs from your federal income tax as long as they total more
• Ways to Save for College
  Once you choose to make saving for a child’s college education a financial priority for your family the next step is creating a plan to make it actually happen. Here are a few tips to find and begin carving out savings: Examine your budget.. Once you choose to make s
• Life Insurance
  Does anyone depend on your ability to work and make money? What financial resources would they have if you died and suddenly weren't there to support them? Are you married? In the U.S.. Does anyone depend on your ability to work and make money? What financial resources would they have
• Decide About Your Tax Filing Status
  Until your remarriage you have probably been filing as a “single payer” for your federal, state and local income taxes. Once you are remarried you will need to decide if you and your spouse are going to file jointly or separately.. Until your remarriage you have probably been filin
• Can I charge my tax bill?
  Yes. The IRS accepts American Express® Discover® MasterCard® and Visa®. Yes. The IRS accepts American Express® Discover® MasterCard® and Visa® However, think twice before pulling out the plastic. Financing a steep tax bill at a high interest rate charged by your credit ca
• What if I live overseas?
  If you're either military or a civilian living overseas, there are a few helpful things to know. First, if you qualify for overseas residency (as a U.. If you're either military or a civilian living overseas, there are a few helpful things to know. First, if you qualify for overseas residency (as a U.
• Work and Taxes
  Over your lifetime you’ll spend a majority of your time at work. How do you make choices about your work that will help you create financial security for yourself and your family?  And as you collect earnings how do you make choices to minimize the taxes you’ll need to pay on that money?  This section
• Starting Your Marriage Off on the Right Financial Foot
  Planning to get married is an exciting time. But it also involves making a lot of decisions – where to get married and when, who to choose for the wedding parties, which cake and invitations…the list of choices and things to discuss with your significant other can seem endless..
• Taxes
  As the saying goes taxes are one of the two certainties in life. It’s critical that you plan for, budget and pay your taxes on time and in full.. As the saying goes taxes are one of the two certainties in life. It’s critical that you plan for, budget and pay your taxes on time and in full. Take
• Long-Term Care Insurance
  John never felt comfortable talking about financial or health matters with his father. He assumed that his father, a widower, had insurance or savings that would pay for any long-term care he would need as he aged.. John never felt comfortable talking about financial or health matters with
• Saving and Spending
  When two families come together spending money – and intentionally saving, or not spending, money - is often an issue. Two previously single parents usually have had no one else involved in their decision-making about spending and/or saving money.. When two families come together spending money – a
• Next Steps: Recovering from a Service Member’s Death
  As you work through the initial grief of losing your loved one it is important to know what resources the military provides: Legal Assistance Your casualty affairs officer will accompany you to a meeting with a Department of Defense legal assistance officer where you will learn about the benefits an
• Living on Less: What to Do When Your Pay is Cut
  Every day workers of all types, across all industries, get the bad news from their boss that their pay is going to be cut. Whether it’s because your company is going through a tough financial stretch, or because the economy at large is making it impossible for your employer to make payroll, or becau
• I don't know where to begin.
  The most important part about beginning to save and invest is just that…beginning. In fact, changing your attitude toward saving and investing may be the biggest hurdle you have to overcome.. bout beginning to save and invest is just that…beginning. In fact, changing your attitude toward saving and investing may be
• How Unemployment Benefits are Calculated and What Happens When They Run Out
  When you lose a job you may be eligible for temporary unemployment benefits which can help you bridge the uncertain – and often financially worrisome period – between jobs. If you qualify, unemployment benefits will provide you with a percentage of your take-home pay for a specified period of time,
• Types of 529 Plans
  529 plans got their names from the section of the IRS tax code (section 529) which helped create this way of investing savings for college costs. There are two types of 529 plans: Prepaid Tuition Plans and Savings Plans.. 529 plans got their names from the section of the IRS tax code (section 529
• I don't know where to turn for help.
  Once you're comfortable knowing your own financial situation, and have begun making some small, but very important steps, toward saving and investing you may want to get additional help. There's a wealth of good, easy-to-understand, free help available by going online or doing some simple research a
• Insurance Benefits
  It can be easy to think that it’s not financially possible for your family to afford insurance. But with some work and help from the staff in your family support center you may be able to find affordable forms of insurance to provide for and protect your family’s future.. hat it’s not financially
• How Long Will My Money Last?
  IT SEEMS these days that everybody wants to retire by the age of 45. Is it just wishful thinking? Our calculator will help you figure how long your investments will last.. IT SEEMS these days that everybody wants to retire by the age of 45. Is it just wishful thinking? Ou
• Past Debt
  More than likely both spouses in a blended family situation come into the new marriage with existing debt. It is CRUCIAL to both your new family’s financial and emotional health that you sit down and talk honestly and openly about your financial situations prior to marriage or as early on in the mar
• Mortgage Counseling If You're Having Trouble Paying Your Mortgage
  If you are having difficulty making your monthly mortgage payment or even facing foreclosure you cannot afford to wait and hope that you can resolve the issue later. If you are behind on your mortgage you can be faced with foreclosure, and sooner than you may realize.. If you are having difficu
• The Basics of 529 Plans to Save and Invest for College
  If you have children and you would like for them to attend college you need to start saving – and investing that savings so that it can grow in value - now. While most Americans cite “paying for a child’s education” as a top family financial priority, according to a December 2009 FINRA Foundation su
• Transferring Military Homeowners to Get Expanded Assistance
  Military service members, their families, and federal Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees who stand to lose a lot of money on the sale of their home as a result of a transfer order may be able to get some much- needed financial assistance. The U..
• How to decide if you really want to own a home
  It seems obvious but the first place to start is to decide whether or not you really want to own a home. No doubt, there are definite benefits to homeownership, including: Tax benefits.. It seems obvious but the first place to start is t
• Your Family’s Military Pay
  If you have worked both as a civilian and as a member of the military you know that there are some very significant differences between military and civilian income, including paychecks. Let’s look at some of the unique factors of a military income.. If you have worked both a
• What if I need an extension?
  If worse comes to worst, don't panic. You can always file for an extension.. If worse comes to worst, don't panic. You can always file for an extension. The important thing is that you need to file Form 4868 or call the IRS at (888) 796-1074 by April 15 for a four month extension. But that's just an e
• Condos and Co-ops
  Housing stock, meaning the type of housing available, varies across the country. In some markets, including large cities such as New York, Boston and San Francisco, cooperatives, or co-ops, are popular housing options.. Housing stock, meaning the type of housing available, varies across the cou
• If a Servicemember Dies
  It’s a difficult reality to face but it is important to discuss and plan for what would happen if your, or your spouse, die during military service. The military provides assistance and benefits for survivors.. It’s a difficult reality to face but it is important to discuss and plan fo
• Getting Married
  Scenario: Jennifer and Kevin are a newly engaged couple, living in Colorado, beginning to plan their wedding. Jennifer is a 25-year-old teacher earning 28,000 a year.. Scenario: Jennifer and Kevin are a newly engaged couple, living in Colorado, beginning to plan their wedding. Jennifer is a 2
• Caring for Dad
  Scenario: Bill is 54, married with 2 kids and living in Michigan. His father, John, a widower, suffered a stroke 6 months ago and had to be moved to a nursing home.. Scenario: Bill is 54, married with 2 kids and living in Michigan. His father, John, a widower, suffered a stroke 6 months ago
• Ending Financial Relationships with Ex-Spouses
  While your marriage with your ex-spouse may be over, having children means that you will most likely have to maintain a relationship with him or her, even if it’s mediated through lawyers. It’s important that you both strive to work together – fairly, openly and honestly - on issues that affect your
• Why Money Matters in Marriage
  There are few topics that can so quickly divide people as money. And while it is perfectly fine to disagree with friends, co-workers, and even family members about money, when it comes to your marriage, it’s important to be on the same page; if you can’t agree on everything related to finances you n
• Closing on a Loan
  Closing, sometimes called “going to settlement, on a home is like the part of the wedding ceremony where the bride and groom exchange vows. It’s where you and the seller seal the deal! Closing on a home loan is when you sign all the papers transferring ownership of the property from the seller to th
• Housing Issues and Concerns
  For both young families and senior adults the cost of maintaining a home – including mortgage or rent, property tax, insurance, home maintenance, renovations, utilities and more – can become too expensive given existing resources. Before you move in together, be aware that there may be local zoning
• Financial Issues and Concerns
  One of the top reasons that most families give for merging households is economic pressure and an inability to afford more than one household. This situation is compounded if families are suddenly faced with an additional setback such as a divorce or a family member getting ill, losing a job or beco
• Spending and Saving Decisions
  As you work through your financial goals and priorities it will become easier to reach agreement about how you will spend and save money. It seems obvious but the only way to save money is to find ways to not spend all the money you’re bringing in.. As you work through your financial goals and prior
• More about Debt Financing
  Although banks and financial institutions may advertise how much they enjoy lending to small businesses, do not expect to qualify for a loan without a solid business plan and some track record of success. Small business loans from banks usually have at least a 50,000 minimum because the banks canno
• Where to Locate
  With business as with real estate, location is everything.  Whether you locate your business inside your home or elsewhere, make sure your space will inspire you to get the work done.. With business as with real estate, location is everything. Whether you locate your business inside y
• Can You Afford Not To?
  You may find that starting your business is more of a necessity than a choice. If your employer closes or moves and you don’t have many other job opportunities in your area, working for yourself may be your only option.. You may find that starting your business is more of a necessity than a choi
• What to Do When It Becomes Difficult to Pay Your Mortgage
  Change happens. When you bought your home you may have budgeted carefully and never anticipated having difficulty making your mortgage payment.. Change happens. When you bought your home you may have budgeted carefully and never anticipated having difficulty making your mortgage payment. But ma
• To Buy or to Lease?
  SHOULD YOU lease or buy? Conventional wisdom says if you lease you'll have nothing to show for your money when the term is up. But that ignores the opportunity cost inherent in buying: after all, the money you pay up front for the car could be invested instead..
• Ways to Invest and Grow Your Savings for College Tuition
  It’s not enough to want to help your child afford college you need to have a plan to make it actually happen. However, putting money into a savings account at your bank or credit union won't earn enough interest to foot the bill.. It’s not enough to want to help your child afford
• Dealing with Deployment
  Deployment is a stressful time for every member of the family. By taking time to talk together as a family, and separately as a couple, you can better manage both the emotional and logistical aspects of being apart from your servicemember.. Deployment is a stressful time for every member of
• A New Family Budget and New Financial Decisions
  In many ways, your newborn’s arrival is just the beginning. In addition to all of your child-rearing duties there are important financial decisions to make and action steps to take as well.. n’s arrival is just the beginning. In addition to all of your child-rearing duties there are important financial decisions to
• Short Sales: What They Are and Why a Homeowner Might Pursue One
  Homeowners who are pressed to make their mortgage payments – or are already behind – may consider trying a short sale as an option to letting the bank foreclose. A short sale is when a mortgage lender agrees to accept less money than the amount the homeowner owes on the loan.. d to make their mortgage
• Overcoming Obstacle Number Two: Finding Money
  Unlike students who have not entered the workforce, adult students are often unsure about how – or if – they can afford to leave full-time work with its wage/salary, benefits (including insurance, paid vacation, etc. and career advancement possibilities.. Unlike students who have
• Immigration Issues for Multigenerational Families
  Immigration is the top reason for the formation of multigenerational families. Immigrants come to the U.. Immigration is the top reason for the formation of multigenerational families. Immigrants come to the U.S. – either legally or illegally – and send for or encourage their imme
• Counteroffers and Closing
  Don’t get discouraged or worried if you decide to make a counteroffer. Typically buyers and sellers reach agreement by the second or third go-around.. Don’t get discouraged or worried if you decide to make a counteroffer. Typically buyers and sellers reach agreement by the se
• What to do when Downsizing?
  Most people cite "being able to stay in my home" as one of their top financial priorities. If your finances are tight, you might want to do a little math to figure out how your current monthly mortgage compares to your current income.. Most people cite "being able to stay in my home" a
• A Widow
  Scenario: Marilyn is a 51-year old widow, living in Delaware, supporting two teenagers. When her husband died unexpectedly, she had to return to the work force full-time.. Scenario: Marilyn is a 51-year old widow, living in Delaware, supporting two teenagers. When her husband died unexpectedly, s
• Help If You are Concerned about Being Able to Pay Your Mortgage
  If you own your own home but still have a monthly mortgage payment that is probably one of your highest financial priorities. If you find yourself in a situation where your finances are so tight or that you have such quickly mounting debt that you are having difficulty making your mortgage payment i
• The Financial Side of Homeownership
  Buying a home is the single largest financial commitment that most people ever make. By taking some time to think about and plan how you will maintain your investment and stay current on your mortgage, you can create some good financial habits at the outset of homeownership that will pay off for yea
• Who Will Be Helped Under the Making Home More Affordable Program
  The Obama Administration’s 75 billion “Making Home Affordable” housing plan is designed to help approximately 9 million people who are at-risk for either defaulting on their mortgage loans or going into foreclosure. The plan is part of the 400 billion “bailout” package approved by Congress in Fall
• Mortgage Center: Frequently Asked Questions
  What is an ARM? An ARM is an acronym for "adjustable rate mortgage. That refers to a home loan where the interest rate charged on the amount of money you're borrowing to purchase the home adjusts, or changes, over time as the government raises or lowers the rate of interest that banks charge each ot
• Eleven Steps Single Moms Need to Take
  Single moms have mastered the art of multi-tasking. Working, making phone calls, vacuuming, paying bills, feeding kids and taking them places, responding to emails …. Single moms have mastered the art of multi-tasking. Working, making phone calls, vacuuming, paying bills, feeding kids and ta
• When Things Change
  They say that the one thing that is constant in life is that it changes. The same is true for owning a home.. ng that is constant in life is that it changes. The same is true for owning a home. Things can change over time. Utility costs can increase. The interest rate on your mortgage can change. You need a n
• Parents Dealing with their Single Adult Child’s Deployment
  Most often deployment information and support is directed to the servicemember’s spouse. But what about the single servicemember?  What happens when he/she is deployed?  After being out of the family home and living on his or her own, suddenly he or she needs family members to help with the paperwork
• Finding the Right Home
  What words come to mind when you think about finding a new home? Exciting? Scary? Overwhelming? The truth is that finding a new home can be all of those things. The way you feel about finding a new home can depend on why you're moving and how much time you have to find a home.. What words come to mind w
• If a Servicemember Becomes Disabled
  It is a difficult reality, but servicemembers can become disabled during their military service. It can be a physically and emotionally difficult time for the servicemember and his or her family.. It is a difficult reality, but servicemembers can become disabled during their military service. It
• Selling Your Home Part II
  Once you have decided to sell your home, and prepared it to put it on the market you have several choices to make.. Once you have decided to
• Comparing Mortgage Costs
  There are several costs associated with borrowing money to buy a home including the interest rate you’ll be charged to borrow the principal (loan amount) points, mortgage insurance closing costs and the down payment. Interest Rate One of the most important pieces of information you need from a lende
• Offers & Counteroffers
  When you've found the home you want the next step is decide whether or not you want to make an offer, meaning that you want to tell the seller that you want to purchase the home. Making an offer is where you put pen to paper and outline exactly how much money you're willing to pay for the home and u