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” →

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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” →

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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” →

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Now that we are well into the second half of 2017, it’s time to reflect on trends that continue to take shape in the housing market. While the economy is showing signs of improvement, competition is fierce and supply remains tight.

Read More “Housing Trends Show Increased Preference for Larger Homes” →

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” →

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