Are you adding a child to your family? Congrats! Whether it be through birth or adoption, parenthood is very fulfilling for many people. Preparing to add a child to your family can be a daunting task. As with any major life change, if you have a better grasp of the financial requirements and tasks, you can be prepared and have a high chance of success. According to a 2017 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it will cost approximately…
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Thinking about buying your first house? To make the preapproval process seamless, gather these financial documents: Your credit report – Obtain a copy as early as possible and scour it for accuracy. If time permits, pull your credit report three months before you seek pre-approval so you have time to correct any issues or mistakes. Each major credit bureau must provide one free credit report annually to consumers requesting a copy. To obtain a report visit annualcreditreport.com. Usually, it works…
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Teaching your kids financial concepts takes more than just saving change in a piggy bank. To give your kids a solid understanding of how to manage their money as an adult, you need to teach them three key financial concepts: 1. The Difference Between a Need and a Want This is a concept that you can begin teaching your children as early as preschool and should continue to model for them well into their teen years. Teaching your kids the…
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Are you planning for college? Getting a college degree is a great investment, but it does come at a significant cost. In addition to tuition, there are a few other expenses you’ll have to plan for. While it may seem daunting, don’t let the cost prevent you from getting a degree. By planning ahead and putting money into an education savings account as soon as you can, you’ll put yourself in a better position to handle your college expenses. Creating…
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The mortgage business seems to have its own language. It’s complicated and full of acronyms, terms and jargon, many of which you may not have much knowledge about. When you think about buying a house or refinancing your mortgage, you might feel like a college freshman entering his or her first class of the semester…naïve, unprepared and a bit hesitant. We know mortgages can be hard to understand, and that’s why we work with you every step of the way….
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Buying a vehicle is a big deal. For most people, your car is your 2nd-largest expense, after housing. With that in mind, Sondra & Emmi have a few tips for you before you hit the dealerships to find your next new-to-you car.
Planning for retirement can be daunting, leaving even the most-prepared individuals feeling anxious. In an Ohio Credit Union League 2018 consumer survey, 92 percent of respondents said they had at least one major financial concern about retirement. A majority of the survey’s respondents, about 74.6 percent, don’t plan to retire from full-time employment in the next five years, if ever. Ohioans’ financial fears surrounding retirement vary. Most, 27.5 percent, fear they won’t have time to save what they need. Another…
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Keep your fingers on the pulse of your financial health. Serious sickness can strike both suddenly and unexpectedly. And its effects can be devastating to your emotional health, your financial resources, and your long-term plans. But if you’re prepared, it’s possible to weather an illness. How Illness Hits Remember that when you or someone you love gets sick or is injured seriously, the effects are emotional as well as financial. In fact, the two are often linked. Can you afford…
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Life changes – like getting married, divorced, having a child, or facing widowhood – require more than an emotional adjustment. They also require certain financial adjustments. If you need help, you can get FREE financial coaching through Midwest Community. Learn more here. Marriage Have the money talk. Sit down with your significant other and set financial goals. Do you want to save for a new house? Have kids? Will you pool your assets or maintain separate checking or savings accounts? Discuss…
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A: Start by defining your goals. Consider where you want to live, the features you’re looking for, what you can afford, and a realistic date for having the money you’ll need. Then apply your knowledge to making this key decision. The Cost of Buying The actual amount you’ll spend to buy a home depends on the part of the country you live in and the type of home you want. While the dollar amount will vary, certain guidelines apply wherever…
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