Spending Less

Can I Claim My Parents' House If I Pay the Mortgage?

Tue, 28 May 2019 17:34:22 +0800

As your parents get older, you may find that you're helping take care of them. This could include paying their mortgage. If you do this, you won't be able to claim it as a deduction on your taxes unless you have ownership or are legally required to pay. You may, however, have other benefits.

Budgeting Game for Adults

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:04:19 +0800

Couples or roommates can make a fun game out of saving money each month. When turned into a game, it can actually inspire both parties to find innovative ways to cut back. The result will be a healthier budget and extra money that can be set aside for a rainy day. There are some easy ways to cut.

Etiquette on Expecting Guests to Pay for Their Own Meal at a Wedding Shower Luncheon

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:04:19 +0800

A wedding shower is a great opportunity to honor a couple-to-be. It's customary for the parents of the bride or groom to pay for the food at the shower, but if it's a luncheon, some couples have asked attendees to pay for their own food. This is not the norm and breaks with tradition.

Cheap Basement Flooring Ideas

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:04:19 +0800

Basement flooring doesn't have to be expensive. Carpet, tile and laminate floors are all available at multiple price points to suit a variety of budgets. Paint and concrete stains also create attractive finishes and are quite inexpensive. If choosing tile or laminate, start with a level floor.

How Equity Affects Profit for Selling Houses

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:11 +0800

If you live in your home for a while before selling, you’ll likely build equity in that house. The equity is the amount of money you pay toward principal when you make your monthly mortgage. Over time, this amount can add up, leading to a slight profit when you do eventually sell.

How to Find My IRS Estimated Taxes Paid

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:10 +0800

For those who pay taxes quarterly, it can be difficult to track what has and hasn’t been paid. There are several ways to retroactively track what you’ve paid, including checking your own bank account online. But you can also contact the IRS or get a transcript of all of your tax activities.

How to Divide Up Bills When Renting a House With Multiple People

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:10 +0800

Renting a house with friends can be a great way to keep expenses low. However, dividing the rent and utilities among multiple people can be tricky. It's important to sit down and figure it all out, then set up a way to remind everyone to pay when those expenses are due each month.

How to Find Out If an Address Is Within the City Limits

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:10 +0800

Not all addresses are within a city limit. To find out if yours is, there are several things you can do, even if you haven't moved to the location yet. Either research online or make a phone call and you can find out whether the property is in the city or not. Your address won't tell you if you are.

How Will My Late Payment Affect the Co-Signer?

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:10 +0800

If you ask someone to co-sign a loan, you're putting that person in a precarious position. At some point down the line, if you miss a payment or pay late, this could show up on your co-signer's credit. The lender may also go after the co-signer to make payments without notifying you.

How to Have Parents Co-Sign for an Apartment

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:05 +0800

If you lack the credit or rental history to qualify for an apartment on your own, a co-signer could be the answer. Your parents may be the best people to ask to do this, but you need to know that you can make the payments before you ask them to take that risk, since it can hurt their credit.

How to Buy a House with a Charge-Off on My Credit Report

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:04 +0800

A charge off on your credit report indicates that you failed to pay a debt as agreed. This is a negative for potential lenders, who see you as a credit risk. You can minimize the negative affects of a charge off. Steps include paying off the original debt and explaining what happened.

How to Avoid Getting Charged When Moving Out of an Apartment

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:04 +0800

Leaving an apartment can be tricky, especially if you're hoping to get your security deposit back. At the very least, you're hoping not to be charged extra for not cleaning or having damage. There are some things you can do to make your move-out as inexpensive as possible, including cleaning.

Letter of Credit Vs. Cash Collateral

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:04 +0800

A letter of credit can be used to help companies transact business. Once signed, the letter serves as an agreement that the signer will pay whatever is outlined on the letter. Cash collateral, on the other hand, can be used to allow businesses to place orders when they don't have a reputation.

How to Borrow Money Without Collateral

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:04 +0800

Collateral is often required if you're trying to borrow money from a financial institution. But for many, collateral isn't an option. In that case, there are a few things you can do to increase your odds of getting a loan through a bank or credit union, including having a co-signer.

How to Pay Off a 30 Year Mortgage in 10 Years

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:03:03 +0800

Paying off your 30-year mortgage in 10 years requires discipline and sacrifice, but it can be done. Tackling your debt, making additional mortgage payments throughout the year, refinancing to a lower interest rate and putting extra money toward the principal are all excellent ways to do this.

Will the GI Bill Pay for a Doctorate Degree?

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:02:57 +0800

The GI Bill provides educational benefits to service members. There may be a time limit on how long you have to utilize the benefits, and the benefits last up to 36 months. Since doctoral programs last four years or more, you may need to secure additional funding to finish your doctorate degree.

Settling Credit Cards Vs. Paying Off Closed Accounts

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:02:57 +0800

If you reach a credit card settlement with the issuer of your card, you may owe tax on the amount of forgiven debt. Your credit score can also take a hit. If you close a credit card account and pay it off in full, you can avoid most of the problems involved with settling an account.

Tips on How to Quickly Pay Off a High Interest Car Loan

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:02:56 +0800

One of the best ways to pay off a high-interest car loan is by refinancing to a lower-interest loan. If you've been making your payments regularly and in full, it's likely that your credit score has improved, and the lower-interest loan for which you previously didn't qualify may now be available.

Can Married Students Get More Financial Aid Money?

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:02:50 +0800

If you get married while in college, it could affect your financial aid. But it may not be in your benefit. It's important to know these extra costs before making the decision to say, "I do." In some cases, you may be able to appeal to your financial aid office for an individual judgment.

Can I Cash Out My 401(k) to Pay Off My House?

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:02:49 +0800

It can be tempting to remove money from your 401(k) savings account to pay off your house, especially if you're headed toward foreclosure. But doing so comes with penalties, so it's important to explore other options first. It may also not be allowed by your employer, who makes the final decision.