Personal Finance

Before refinancing your home to get a more favorable interest rate, there are several things to consider. If the timing is right, you can save a significant amount on your monthly payments.. Lenders look at various factors to determine your interest rate; chief among them are debt-to-income ratios, credit scores, and the type of home...

When online shopping, you don’t always have to use your debit or credit card. With some online stores, you can also use your checking account information. Paying with your checking account is a simple process that will allow you more versatility when shopping online. Below, we discuss 10 ways that you can shop online and...

If you are looking for a similar yet effective alternative to a debit card, a prepaid card may be your solution. Prepaid cards allow you to load money onto them to make any purchases at any location. Essentially, they function similarly to debit cards, without having any connection to a bank account. This makes prepaid...

At surfky, we’re big supporters of cleantech and all viable initiatives that help the world move to renewable forms of energy consumption. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our Electric Car Sales Index, which shows the total yearly sales of electric vehicles in the United States by state. We use credible sources,...

It all started with the GameStop (NYSE: GME) short squeeze. It’s rare when stock market news become the main topic at the dinner table, but it’s hard to think there is a sexier story for Main Street than a group of internet renegades getting together to pump a collection of stocks and push billion-dollar wall...

As a homeowner who makes mortgage payments every month, you might be interested in refinancing your house to purchase a second home. This new purchase could be for a fun vacation spot for the family or new investment property. Regardless of the reasons, refinancing might be for you.. If you think that refinancing might be...

Regardless of if you have recently refinanced, there are options available to take the next step in obtaining the home of your dreams. Many people refinance for various reasons: utilizing home equity, shortening the length of a loan, making payments more affordable, and much more. . Purchasing a home after refinancing is a popular option that...

Are you interested in obtaining a mortgage on a house you currently own? It is possible to get a mortgage on your home. We’re here to help answer your questions.. Knowing you can use your house as collateral for a loan is one thing. But what do you need to do to get the loan?...

If you have a credit score between 400 and 550, don’t rule yourself out of being able to own a good credit card. Instead, consider applying for an unsecured credit card that will help you build a better credit history. In this article, we highlight the top five unsecured credit cards for credit scores in...

Owning a home is a dream for many. However, purchasing one is a complex process. From making an offer to negotiating closing costs, the financial aspects of home-buying can be frustrating for even the savviest shopper. . However, one thing that shouldn’t feel challenging should be figuring out the income you need to qualify for a...

NerdWallet has quickly leapt into the top echelon of personal finance websites in the United States. Launched in 2009 by founder and CEO Tim Chen, the site has become a juggernaut in the very competitive personal finance space, surpassing older and more established players like BankRate. According to Inc. Magazine, the company is worth a...

Much about the home-buying process can be confusing. When you add mortgages to the mix, it can become even more challenging. From interest rates to closing costs, it can be tough to keep track of everything it takes to become a homeowner.. Unfortunately, being prepared for everything is next to impossible, and sometimes life can...

Securing a mortgage may seem like an unattainable goal for individuals making $20,000 to $30,000 a year; however, the difficulty isn’t necessarily true. While your income does play a role in a lender’s decision-making process, there are many other factors that a lender considers before a mortgage is granted. To help you better understand how...

Buying furniture and decorating your living space can be one of the most expensive parts of having your own place. Whether you are a homeowner or rent an apartment, the costs of furniture can easily add up. Before you realize it, all the items that you’ve added to your checklist have totaled up to $3,000...

Jewelry can be one of the most special purchases of your life. Whether you’re purchasing an engagement ring or looking for a necklace with your birthstone, you’re purchasing an item that will have a special meaning to you and your loved ones. Something that you buy today can be passed down through each generation of...

Starting a business in Ohio offers numerous perks, from simple and manageable state regulations to low corporate and business taxes and widespread community support for local entrepreneurs. Whether you are creating a new business or are an established sole proprietor, forming a limited liability corporation (LLC) in Ohio can be an excellent way to limit...

If you have your heart set on starting a new business in Kentucky but worry about risking your assets and your family’s future, bring yourself a little peace of mind by considering establishing an LLC in Kentucky.. Sadly, you could spend hundreds or thousands of dollars setting up such a limited liability corporation. Still, you...