PersonalHub

As a homeowner, you’ve probably noticed that your homeowners insurance premiums have increased over time. This is completely common and to be expected, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some steps to lower these costs. Take these seven suggestions to heart if you’re looking for ways to save some money on your premiums.

Having a firm grasp on the definition of credit, how it affects your financial well-being, and how to get and maintain a healthy credit score is a topic that is discussed in many circles this time of year as many people resolve to be better stewards of their finances. There is tons of information on the topic floating around the interwebs from various sources, and while for the most part you can trust the information you're reading, there are some credit myths that you should be aware of.

It's officially the holiday season! For those of you that are like me and love the colder weather, pumpkin-spiced and peppermint flavored treats, and twinkly lights adorning every store front, this the happiest time of the year! That said, it can be really easy to get carried away with the holiday season and the barrage of Black Friday ads and completely blow your budget. The last thing that you want to do is start the new year with a tiny mountain of credit card debt leftover from your holiday shopping binge. Here are my three tried and true tips to help you make and most importantly, stick to your holiday budget.

Donating to charity can provide us with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. While helping worthy organizations and individuals is the true reason most people choose to give to charity, donations allow you to enjoy some charity from the U.S. government as well. Here's a guide to making the most of charitable-giving tax breaks from the federal government.

You may hear the term “home equity” thrown around from time-to-time, but do you really know what it is? If you’re a homeowner, it’s in your best interest to do some research so that you can utilize your home's equity to your advantage. There are pros and cons to home equity loans, so it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure you're making the right decision for you and your family, but ultimately, the monetary value in your home is yours and yours alone. 

Raising a child is expensive. From basic needs like food, clothing, and doctors’ visits, to extracurricular activities, experts say rearing a child from age 0 to 17 costs roughly around a quarter of a million dollars. And while you’re spending that quarter of a million to raise your mini-me, you still have to think about finding enough extra income to save. But then, the question arises: Where should you be focusing your savings? Should you be saving for retirement to live out your golden years carefree, or should you be saving for your little one’s higher education?

When it comes to purchasing a home or refinancing your existing mortgage, it’s crucial to find a loan officer that fits your needs. A loan officer is an integral part of the homebuying journey, and when it comes to choosing one, you shouldn’t just roll the dice and hope you get lucky—there’s a strategy to finding one who is best for your unique situation.

Nowadays, it seems that the word investing is thrown around quite a bit. For some, that means investing in stocks; for others, it may mean "investing" in a new HD TV (or at least, that's what the husband will call it). Regardless of the capacity in which the word is used, all forms of investing really boil down to the same thing: believing that the money we put toward something today will lead to profit us tomorrow. And, as easy as it might be to “invest” in that new HD TV, it might be even more beneficial to invest that money elsewhere.

You know what they say: where there’s a will, there’s a way. This is true not only in life but in death as well. A will is necessary to provide a clear directive for your family after you pass away. Some may believe that a will is only for the high-brow rulers of society, but in reality, a will is for anyone who wants to provide clear communication of their wishes to their family and loved ones upon death.