Evaluating where you are financially and setting shared goals is important as a married couple. Once you define your goals as individuals and as a married couple, it will help you plan the means to reach your goals. Retirement A comfortable retirement should be a top priority. Since people are living longer than ever, retirement...

At some point in time you will need to consider this important question. Some consider this a form of investment apart from the basic necessity of providing a roof over your head and place you can live in and call your own. To Own or Not to Own Home ownership isn’t for everyone. It’s definitely...

If you’re going to be responsible for paying a mortgage for the next 30 years, you should know exactly what you’re committing to. A mortgage has three basic parts: a deposit, monthly payments and fees. The deposit is generally 10% to 20% of the price of the house. The monthly payment is the amount needed...

When you’re deciding what type of home is right for you, you not only have to think about now, you must think about your future. Will your family be growing? Are you going to need an office at home? Are you going to be able to keep up with the maintenance? You don’t want to...

One of the biggest advantages of home ownership is the equity you build in your property. The faster you pay off your mortgage and build this equity, the better financial shape you’ll be in. Equity can be a powerful tool to manage your finances. Paying Off Your Mortgage During the first few years you make...

While it doesn’t offer any investment potential, renting a house or flat is the wisest financial choice for many people. Some may be saving for a deposit on a home; others may be unable to afford buying a home. For families or individuals who move often or for those not interested in the maintenance and...

The following is information on some fairly common tenants’ rights that may or may not be applicable to you. Your Responsibilities Before we talk about what the landlord is responsible for, let’s take a look at your responsibilities: • Keep the apartment clean. • Put out garbage in proper containers. • Use electrical and plumbing...

Landlords may require a bond that will be used to cover any unpaid rent or damages you cause. This money must be refunded after the end of the rental agreement. The landlord, however, may deduct the cost of any repairs that he or she has to make, other than maintenance from normal wear and tear....

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and put that lifetime of education to work for you. Finding the right job isn’t easy – it takes motivation to go after the industry or company you want, effort to ace the application and interview process and a bit of luck to land the job. Read on...

Buying a car can be like jumping into a lake. Without some planning and research into what you might encounter, you could be in too deep before you know it. But if you take the car buying process one step at a time and put some time into researching your purchase and your finances, the...