May 23rd, 2013 by Sarah
American billionaires are sending a solemn message regarding U.S. stocks. Warren Buffet, George Soros, and John Paulson are among the uber-wealthy investors who are choosing to move their money out of American companies like Kraft Foods, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and JP Morgan Chase.
Despite the market’s improvement in the first quarter, these billionaires are seemingly disappointed with overall company performance and skeptical of future earning potential. With so much money on the line, how do they decide?

This development raises an important issue for every investor. Stocks represent a portion of any retirement portfolio, and their performance can mean the difference between early retirement and working into your 70’s. As we’ve discussed, savings and credit repair are symbiotic; the more money you save, the less risk for credit repair; the better your credit, the more you’ll save.
So, should you go the way of Mr. Buffet? Is it time to sell your stock? If you are considering a change, keep the following tips in mind and discuss them with your financial planner. Vigilance is the best way to avoid credit repair on every financial level.
Consider selling your stock if: continue reading “Credit Repair and Stocks: Is It Time to Sell?” »
Posted in Credit Repair
May 21st, 2013 by Sarah
Retirement planning is an important subject, one we’ve covered in favor of our younger blog readers. The 20-somethings in the workforce have plenty of time to arrange their investments and plan their Golden Years. If you are approaching the end of your career, however, a lack of savings could send you into a panic. What should you do if you cannot afford to retire? Should you resign yourself to a life of labor, or is retirement still in the cards? While there isn’t a single answer, keep the following tips in mind in the days to follow. Why work for the rest of your life?

If you want to retire:
Posted in Credit Repair
May 16th, 2013 by Sarah
We’ve all been seduced by a seemingly good deal. Retailers spend millions each year on marketing strategies to gain your business. They offer discounted rates on monthly services, no interest for 12 months, etc. Unfortunately, when the inflated bill arrives on month 13, you may be thinking, “Wait a minute; I didn’t sign up for this!” Or did you? The fine print tells an interesting story in every user agreement. When you sign up for temporary savings, you may also be agreeing to larger price tags down the road. When it comes to credit repair, debt reduction, savings, and credit utilization are imperative. Don’t skim the Terms and Conditions the next time you shop. Keep a watchful eye on the following agreements:

Posted in Credit Repair
May 14th, 2013 by Sarah
Housing bidding wars are back. CNN Money reported the surprising turn in the market:
“In March, 75 percent of agents with broker Redfin said their clients’ offers were countered by rival bids, up from 56 percent who said so in late 2011.”
A rise in home prices may be a good sign, but analysts are concerned about the effect on buyers. Without proper planning and self-control, they predict another housing crisis in the future. If you are in the market for a new home, take these tips with you before casting your bid in a competitive sale. An inflated mortgage is a credit repair no-no. Don’t get in over your head.

Posted in Finance
May 9th, 2013 by Sarah
Summer is around the corner and for the engaged, wedding season is approaching. Marriage is a milestone in life; yet, many enter into the next phase without asking their spouse some vital questions about money. If you are among the soon-to-be wed, consider starting a conversation using the questions below.
Couples who plan their expenses ahead of time are more likely to enjoy their earnings, and less likely to need credit repair intervention.
1. How do you view money?
This is a loaded question, but your fiancé’s answer will help you understand their perspective and how it aligns with yours. Here are a few conversation starters on the subject: continue reading “Fiancé and Finances: 10 Questions to Ask Before Marriage” »
Posted in Finance