As you work through the homebuying and loan application process, be aware that large financial transactions, such as a home purchase, can make you a target for fraud. It’s important to know how to protect yourself against identity theft and other types of fraud. Scammers may pose as third-party companies and attempt to appear as though they are involved with your transaction. Here are some recommendations to keep your information safe when transferring funds for a large real estate purchase: Read More “Important Tips To Avoid Wire Transfer Fraud” →

A home is likely one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make in your life. It’s an investment in your future. Therefore, it makes sense to learn what drives value so you can align your lifestyle choices with good investment decisions as much as possible. Here are a few things to consider:
Read More “Appreciation – Understanding A Home’s Value” →

Taxes. No one likes them but everyone pays them. And the beginning of a new year means it’s time once again to gather documents and receipts in preparation for the April tax filing deadline! For homeowners this means being prepared with some specific documents in addition to the usual tax statements from employers, banks and stockbrokers. Keep an eye out for the items below in your mailbox (or email inbox if you opted for electronic statements) and set them aside for your tax preparer! Read More “Paperwork Homeowners Need To Prepare For Tax Time” →

A new year is upon us bringing with it the promise of a fresh start. People everywhere will be setting new goals and swearing off old vices. If some of your goals (or vices) are financial in nature, now is the time to get organized and put realistic plans in place for spending and saving. Whether your financial management habits need a total overhaul or just a few tweaks, here are some tips for getting started:
Read More “Simple Steps to Organize Your Finances” →

In the wake of the recent catastrophic hurricanes and wildfires that have ravaged parts of our country, the President declared several Major Disaster Areas. This designation brings with it a commitment of federal aid to assist in recovery. A list of these areas can be found at www.fema.gov/disasters. What does this mean for people who are paying a mortgage on a property or running a business in a Major Disaster area? What about people employed in one of these areas? Depending upon what type of mortgage you have and which government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) owns or guarantees your mortgage, you may be eligible for various types of relief to help ease the financial burdens of disaster recovery. Read More “Disaster Relief Options for Mortgages” →

These days you can do just about anything from a mobile device. The convenience is amazing but living so much of our lives online presents some challenges. With data being stored and shared in cyberspace, there is also a heightened awareness of the need to protect sensitive information. As a Chief Information Security Officer, I am hyper-focused on this issue. A few weeks ago we shared some insight about protecting your credit from identity theft. The tips in this article prompted some additional questions that I’ve addressed below:
Read More “Going Beyond the Basics to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” →

If you are concerned about protecting your financial information from identity theft and data breaches, it’s important to know your options. While credit monitoring and fraud alerts indicate suspicious activity and provide added security, they may not offer enough protection. Placing a freeze on your credit (also known as a security freeze) can add an extra layer of protection against criminal activity. Here’s what you need to know:

Read More “How to Protect Your Credit From Identity Theft” →

Read More “5 Tips to Save for a Down Payment” →

What is your favorite escape? A coastal retreat. A rustic mountain hideaway. A loft with a city view. Whatever you prefer, a vacation home can be a lifestyle upgrade that provides a respite from the daily grind. As an investment property, that second home may also help achieve your financial goals and plan for the future. But, how do you figure out if owning a second home is even in the realm of possibility? Answering these three questions below will help you put forth a plan to make your home away from home a reality. Read More “3 Questions to Answer Before Buying a Second Home” →