Find out if a debt consolidation loan is right for you Debt. Sometimes it’s used to get what we want—a new car, a house. And sometimes it’s used to pay for what we have to—medical bills, home or auto repairs. No matter how it’s used, debt has become part of the fabric of our financial lives. Today, the average American owes about $29,800 in personal debt, not including a home mortgage. And outstanding credit card debt has climbed almost 20%…

Try these home-buying tips while social distancing There is no doubt we are all living under a new normal. As the coronavirus pandemic hit our area particularly hard, millions have been ordered to stay home to prevent spreading the virus. We have found new ways to live, work and cope, primarily with the help of online services. Even the real estate sector has found a way to thrive by taking business online. Zillow reports that virtual house tours have skyrocketed.…

How to prepare for the unexpected If there is anything the recent coronavirus pandemic has taught us, it’s the importance of planning for the unexpected. When it comes to your finances, building an emergency fund should be part of that plan. By saving money in a fund you access only in emergencies, you’ll be prepared for everything from job loss to medical bills and everything in between. This infographic from GoBankingRates® provides six tips to get you started saving today:…

Everything you need to know about this loan option When you need help paying for an emergency purchase, you have many options to get cash, fast. One of those ways is through an installment loan. Installment loans are popular with borrowers who need to pay for one-time expenses that require a quick fix or to pay of for other big emergencies. Read more on online installment loans and find the best way to pay for it whether you have good…

Financial planning for retirement? What you need to know. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, otherwise known as the SECURE Act, was signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019. It was the first significant retirement-related legislation enacted since the 2006 Pension Protection Act. Since then, the coronavirus pandemic led to even more changes being enacted through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in late March. Elements of both acts will affect your retirement…

If you are someone who drives a lot and you have been holding on to your car for quite a long time, inconveniences might happen. While mild repairs or breakdowns are common occurrences, older cars tend to require bigger and more expensive repairs. Let’s say, you have a growing family; another thing to consider is their safety. If you want to spare yourself from all the hassle, maybe it is time for that upgrade and invest in a new car.…

Credit Scores – two words that could determine your fate in terms of getting that home loan or credit card. Not a lot of people know that credit scores are a large part of the reason how interest rates are calculated – or whether it is even possible for you to secure that loan or card you are applying for. Safe to say that if you want that approval, better credit scores are necessary. It has been reported recently that…

We explain the pros and cons of your options As our nation strives to stay ahead of the coronavirus pandemic, many states, including New Jersey, are under stay-at-home orders. With the shutdown of countless businesses, an estimated 1 in 10 Americans finds themselves out of a job, and many in our own community now struggle to pay their daily living expenses. If you’re looking for ways to borrow money to get you through this crisis, you’re not alone. Greater Alliance…

Tips on How to Prevent Tax Scams We all have heard of this famous quote by Benjamin Franklin before: he once said that there are two certain things in life: death and taxes. They are unavoidable. Paying taxes, in particular, may be hard for a lot of people, but it is mandatory. Filing tax returns is a civic responsibility that occurs annually. When the season of filing tax returns is approaching, scammers will try their best to take advantage of…

How to protect yourself from online fraud As if we didn’t have enough to think about during this uncertain time, now, some people are using COVID-19 as an opportunity to create scams, hoping we act upon our fears surrounding the coronavirus. Whether you’re already aware of these online scams, curious to know what is true vs. false, or hearing about scams for the first time, we want to help protect you. Read on to learn more about how to protect…