Mortgage Costs Explained: A Complete Guide to Fees, Payments, and Savings

Introduction Purchasing a home is often one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. Yet, for many, the details of mortgage costs—both upfront and monthly—can be confusing. This guide breaks down each of the mortgage costs, shows how to calculate your total expenditure, and compares potential savings between different interest rates (using 4% vs. …

Two Undervalued Dividend Stocks to Watch in 2025

Introduction As we move into 2025, the stock market remains dynamic, with certain beaten-down stocks offering intriguing opportunities. While tech giants like NVDA and PLTR dominated in 2024, it may be time to look beyond the technology sector for potential value plays and dividend stocks. Two companies that have piqued my interest are Guess? (GES) …

Understanding Mortgage Rates: A Simple Guide

Introduction If you’ve ever heard friends or family in your life talk about buying a house, you’ve probably heard the term “mortgage rate.” But what does this really mean, and why is everyone so concerned about it? To help, we’ll break down the basics of mortgage rates (in a way even a middle schooler can …

A Comprehensive Guide to the Big Three Trading Strategies

When it comes to investing in the financial markets, there are various trading strategies to consider. In this article, we will delve into three popular trading strategies: day trading, swing trading, and long-term investing. Whether you are a novice investor or looking to expand your knowledge, this short intro guide via ChatGPT will provide you …

The Finances of Purchasing a House: A Comparison of 3 States

Purchasing a house is a significant milestone, and it’s important to understand the financial aspects involved. In this blog post, we will explore the finances of purchasing a house in three different states: California, Minnesota, and Texas. By examining the average house prices, mortgage rates, taxes, fees, and future costs, we will provide a comprehensive …

Can an AI Budget Help You Get Started?

Ever heard people talk about using AI to improve your life? Maybe creating workouts, or optimizing organization, and so on. But why not try creating an AI budget? Sure, you can always create your own, or go to someone else for help, but you can also just ask ChatGPT for help! I gave it a …

Will Getting a Credit Check Hurt Your Credit Score?

When applying for credit, you may come across the terms “hard credit check” and “soft credit check.” These are two different types of credit checks that lenders use to determine your creditworthiness. It’s essential to understand the differences between them, as they can affect your credit score. A hard credit check, also known as a …

Will You Be Making LESS After Taxes on Your Raise?

Have you ever heard someone say “I don’t want that raise since I’ll be in a higher tax bracket, and will end up making less money after taxes”? But is that true? Should you decline a small raise? Heck no!! Thanks to our progressive tax system, on the federal level and for many states, if …

Cheap Date Ideas for Uncertain Times: Get Creative and Have Fun!

With inflation sky high and economic uncertainty abound, it might be time to stay in and avoid any fun dates out and about, right? Wrong! There’s no reason to put your life on hold, even amidst banks closing, layoffs, mortgage fee increases, or whatever comes next! You will just need to get creative, and here …