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Your home mortgage is probably one of the biggest debts that you owe and it may seem that you will never get it paid in full when you are in the first year of a 30-year mortgage.  While most homebuyers have good intentions about paying off their mortgage early, few find ways to make that happen.  However, if you are willing to employ some creative means, you can pay off your mortgage quicker.  For example, if both partners work, only spend based on the income of the lower-earning partner and use … [Read more...]

If you are selling or buying a home, you are probably looking for ways to save money and cut costs. Sellers want to cut expenses so they put more money in their pocket while buyers are trying to find the best deal on their dream home.  However, one area that you should not try to save money is on your real estate attorney.  Buying or selling a home is a huge financial step and you need expert guidance as you take this step.  Real estate attorneys perform many service including researching the … [Read more...]

You have probably seen the commercials about reverse mortgages and the actors in those commercials make it sound so easy.  Just tap into the equity you have worked hard to establish in your home and have the money you need right now.  For some homeowners, a reverse mortgage might be the solution to financial problems. However, reverse mortgages also carry some very ominous consequences such as losing your home. Before signing a reverse mortgage, you should always consult a real estate … [Read more...]

Student loan debt is on the top of most everyone’s list of hotly debated topics.  Whether you believe that students should be able to discharge student loans through bankruptcy or whether you believe that students are not being responsible with the amount of student loan debt they undertake, one thing remains the same.  Student loan debt is taking over as the number one unsecured debt in America.  The key to securing your financial future is to pay off student loans as quickly as possible after … [Read more...]

We all have some bad financial habits even if we do not like to admit it.  We overspend on things that we may not need or put off paying bills causing late fees to pile onto the amount that we owe.  Learning how to break these bad financial habits can save and help you build a better financial future for yourself and your family.  The first step to breaking bad habits it to admit that you have them. For more read, “How to Break 5 Bad Financial Habits.” Image credit:  Jason Rogers … [Read more...]

As more and more readers are turning to the internet to get their news and entertainment, magazine publishers are hurting for revenues.  Source Home Entertainment, LLC based in Bonita Springs, Florida filed for Chapter 11 protection in Delaware reporting just over $200 million in assets and right below $300 million in debts.  According to a company official, the bankruptcy filing stems from “the continuing fundamental technological shift away from traditional consumption of print media.” For … [Read more...]

Unless you plan to live in your home for the rest of your life, you should always be mindful of the day that you will put your home on the market.  Sellers can be very picky and the least little thing can keep your home on the market for months instead of weeks.  For example, curb appeal is very important when trying to sell your home.  Choosing a “bold” exterior color may have seemed like a good idea to you; however, prospective buyers may not love your artistic nature. For ways that you may … [Read more...]

Kids Brands, a New Jersey based company filed for relief under Chapter 11 this week. The company makes bedding, furniture and toys for infants. Products are sold under the brands of Carters and Graco.  Bankruptcy filings show the company reports having less than $35 million in assets but close to $110 million in debt.  Even though the intention is to sell the company, a statement issued on behalf of Kids Brands states that it will seek financing to continue operating while in bankruptcy. For … [Read more...]

If you have the answer to this question, you can sell your home faster.  Things that you take for granted about your home are the very things that buyers are looking for in a new home.  For example, buyers love to hear that a home has great storage and organizing systems such as built-in closet organizers and garage shelves.  Buyers who have been renting an apartment are ready to have more room and a home with ample storage and existing organizing systems is very attractive. For more things … [Read more...]

The St. Louis based company that owns Mattress Source, Jamat LLC, filed for bankruptcy relief under Chapter 11 on June 13.  The company claims have between $1 million and $10 million in assets as well as liabilities.  While Mattress Source will continue to operate and keep some stores open, other stores will be closed as part of the bankruptcy plan.  The company has not released the locations of the stores that will be closing.  The bankruptcy is blamed in part on competition from other … [Read more...]