When you decide to get married, you’re not just merging your lives—you’re merging your finances. And while it’s not the most romantic topic, talking about money is one of the most important things you can do before, during, and after you say "I do." From planning for a family to navigating the tough stuff, here’s a look at the financial journey of marriage.
Buying a car is a huge financial decision, one that can easily cost you more than it should. Whether you’re paying with cash, financing, or leasing, there are common traps to avoid and a little bit of homework can save you a whole lot of money. The good news is that the internet has completely changed the game, putting the power back in your hands before you ever set foot on a dealership lot.
Once you have the keys to your home, a new set of financial questions often emerges. You might be thinking about refinancing your mortgage to lower your payments, pay for a big home improvement project, or consolidate other debts. Maybe you’re wondering when the right time to refinance is, how to pay your mortgage off faster, or even what to do if you’re facing the possibility of foreclosure.
Buying a home is easily the biggest purchase you'll ever make. For most of us, it’s also an incredibly emotional and stressful journey. There’s a mountain of information to digest to make smart decisions, from figuring out if ownership is right for you to understanding the fine print on a mortgage. Think of it as the ultimate ; it requires careful planning and a clear understanding of how you're for the long term.
Moving is a big deal. Whether you're heading across town for a better view or relocating to a new city for a fresh start, the excitement can quickly get overshadowed by the financial details. The more you understand the real costs involved, the smoother the entire process will be.
Your salary isn't the whole story when it comes to your career's potential. To really get ahead, you need to know how to look at a potential employer, figure out what you’re worth, and negotiate the best possible compensation package. And in a market that can change on a dime, it’s just as crucial to know how to protect yourself financially if you find yourself out of a job.
That diploma feels great in your hand, but the student loan bills that follow? Not so much. If you're one of the roughly two-thirds of college graduates facing student debt, the idea of paying it all back can feel pretty daunting. The good news is that you have more options than you might think, whether you’re just starting repayment or struggling to keep up.
When debt becomes overwhelming, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation, can feel like a potential lifeline. The process involves turning most of your personal property over to a court-appointed trustee. This trustee then sells the property and uses the money to pay off some or all of your debts. While you can keep certain exempt property, hanging onto secured assets like your house or car requires a big commitment.
When you hear the word bankruptcy, you might think of wiping the slate clean entirely. But Chapter 13 bankruptcy works a bit differently—it’s more of a reorganization. Instead of erasing all your debts, you work with the court to create a repayment plan. You’ll have to submit a detailed proposal outlining how you plan to pay things back, complete with a thorough budget. Be prepared for scrutiny, as a judge, trustee, or creditor can challenge your budget if they feel it’s filled with non-essential spending.