More than 50% of the 50-somethings surveyed now say they won't be financially prepared for retirement. If you're 20-something and reading this, then let this be your wake-up call. You can never start too soon. The earlier you start, the better off you'll be, and you'll be grateful you won't have to work until about two minutes before you die.

PostedAugust 24, 2011

AuthorMax

CategoriesCareer & Economy

TagsFinancial Planning, Medicine, Pension, Real Estate, Retirement, Social Security

Although there's still a lot of uncertainty in the housing market, the drop in home prices has made home ownership very alluring. However, you may think you don't qualify for a mortgage. It might not be as bad as you think.

PostedJuly 20, 2011

AuthorMax

CategoriesCredit & Debt

TagsCredit Cards, Credit Score, Employment, Interest Rates, Jobs, Loans, Mortgages, Real Estate, Recession

Conventional wisdom is you're better paying off your own mortgage than someone else's, which is what you're doing when you're renting. However, as we've seen in the last couple of years, the housing bubble burst and perhaps this isn't true anymore as we've witnessed house prices plummeting in certain areas of the country.

PostedJuly 5, 2011

AuthorMax

CategoriesCredit & Debt

TagsEmployment, Jobs, Mortgages, Real Estate, Renting

Much to your horror, you may be surprised to find that your doctor bill can continue to cost you long after you've paid it.

PostedJune 26, 2011

AuthorMax

CategoriesCredit & Debt

TagsCredit Score, Health, Insurance, Interest Rates, Loans, Mortgages, Real Estate

It's sometimes hard to find the cash we need, especially these days. Many people have been borrowing against their home. Only on rare occasions is this the wise thing to do.

PostedMay 12, 2011

AuthorMax

CategoriesCredit & Debt

TagsBanking, Credit Cards, Loans, Mortgages, Real Estate

The government has three plans to replace the two institutions; in any event, they probably won't be dissolved quickly, as this would create a shock in the mortgage market. Regardless, this will mean the private market will step into the mortgage business and getting a mortgage will be more expensive.

PostedMarch 9, 2011

AuthorMax

TagsMortgages, Real Estate

When you read data about the housing market, or I should say if you read that data, it's important to realize it is a combination of data from all over the country, as well as a combination of all price ranges.

PostedMarch 7, 2011

AuthorMax

TagsReal Estate

I've always said that if you follow housing you follow the economy.

The first step to aiding our economy is to get those homes that are stuck in the foreclosure process to proceed.

PostedMarch 3, 2011

AuthorMax

CategoriesCredit & Debt

TagsBankruptcy, Mortgages, Real Estate

If you're looking for a house, you may first need to look at your bank account. Gone are the days of low, or even zero down payments.

PostedFebruary 24, 2011

AuthorMax

TagsBanking, Interest Rates, Mortgages, Real Estate

With the recession and so many people out of work, it is becoming more and more difficult to keep your home. No one wants to lose the equity they've worked so hard to build.

PostedFebruary 11, 2011

AuthorMax

CategoriesCredit & Debt

TagsMortgages, Real Estate, Saving

Yesterday I blogged about whether an under 30-year-old with student debt should buy a house. The alternative, besides living with your parents or in your car, is to rent.

PostedJanuary 6, 2011

AuthorMax

TagsMortgages, Real Estate, Recession, Spending

Many seniors graduating from school already have a mortgage on their hands. I've spoken to several people who have student loans totaling over $150,000. Your best first step would be to start paying down on that student loan and start saving for a down payment.

PostedJanuary 5, 2011

AuthorMax

TagsCredit, Loans, Mortgages, Real Estate, Spending

Some cycles are just hard to figure out when and where they start and when and where they end. So let’s look at the housing cycle. I’ve always said, if you follow housing, you follow the economy.

PostedDecember 27, 2010

AuthorMax

TagsBanking, Credit, Loans, Mortgages, Real Estate, Recession

5 Ingredients To Get A Mortgage Approved In A Tight Market

The Advantages of Renting and the Rule of 15

How Your Doctor Bill Costs More Than You Think

Is A Home Equity Loan A Good Idea?

Housing Costs Going Through the Roof

5 Gauges to Use When Buying A House

Mortgage Modification Deals?

Down Payments on Homes are Not Going Down

Keep Your Home With A Loan Modification

Renting vs Buying a House

20-something and Want to Buy a House?

Where Does the Cycle Begin?