Financial Advice and Tips

Blog Obtaining a loan can help alleviate the need for extra money when you need it most, and can help you afford items which may otherwise be unattainable. However, if you unknowingly agree to do business with a less than reputable company, you may be paying for much more than you bargained for. There are many companies both online and offline that pretend to be legitimate, when [...]

Blog If you are considering applying for any sort of credit, including a loan, credit card, mortgage, etc., you need to understand the type of credit you are considering and its possible risks. One important step to take before signing the dotted line is to review your financial situation to see if you can handle another monthly payment. Establishing a monthly budget is essential to determining how much credit you can [...]

Blog When you are considering taking out a loan, the first thing you may look at is the loan’s Annual Percentage Rate or APR.  When comparing loans of similar size and duration, APR can be a useful tool to determine which loan is right for you. However, APR is not a helpful tool when comparing different types of loans, ie. secured loans vs. unsecured loans, personal loans, home equity loans, etc. AFSA, [...]

Blog Let’s say a friend wants to borrow some money from you. They are employed, pay their bills on time, and don’t carry a lot of debt. You might feel comfortable loaning them money without asking for any type of collateral. Collateral is something of value your friend would pledge to secure the loan and forfeit if they failed to repay the loan. This example is a good illustration of an unsecured [...]

Blog Your credit score is an extremely important number that can affect your ability to make a major purchase or investment. The higher your credit score, the better, or more creditworthy you are perceived to be by lenders. This will result in lower interest rates and more purchasing options for you. To learn more about what a credit score is and how it can affect you financially click here. [...]

Blog Your credit score is an extremely important number that directly impacts your ability to obtain any sort of credit such as a personal loan, credit card, mortgage, or car loan. Many people may know what their credit score is, but they may not know what exactly that number means and how it affects them financially. What is a credit score? So, what is a credit score? The [...]

Blog Should I buy a boat? Buying a boat might not be as painful as you think. If you are truly interested in purchasing a new or used boat, consider organizing the process into three phases – Planning, Shopping, and Decision. To help you get started, we’ve created a series of essential questions you’ll want to consider throughout the process of boat buying. Phase 1 – The Planning [...]

Blog If you have ever been a victim of identity theft, you know how devastating the effects can be. The best way to protect yourself from identity theft is through proactive prevention. Learn how to best protect yourself from identity theft here. However, if you have been affected by identity theft, follow these steps to quickly resolve the issue: […]