Parenthood comes with a lot of responsibility and that weight is amplified if you’re among the 23% of single parent homes in the U.S. As a single parent, managing your finances and getting to a point where you feel comfortable are important as you take care of yourself and your family. Though your budget may be smaller than those in two-income households, there are many things you can do now and going forward to set yourself up for success and protect your family’s future.
When is the Right Time to Refinance?
Refinancing has been a hot topic in the headlines since interest rates were historically low (below 3%!) throughout early 2021. Though rates have slowly risen as the year has gone on, they are still low enough to tempt many into considering a refinance. In the right circumstances, refinancing can be beneficial; however, it requires an investment of time, money, and effort, so it’s important to fully consider the pros and cons before moving forward.
Understanding Renter and Homeowner Insurance
Like most insurance types, renter and homeowner insurance policies are often glossed over and/or unfamiliar until you’re dealing with an issue such as your kitchen flooding or someone breaking into your car. These policies are important to your financial well-being because they provide protection for both your home’s structural issues and the possessions inside your home. Depending on the landlord, carrying renter’s insurance may be required as a part of your lease. If you own your home and have a mortgage, your bank will very likely require you to have homeowner’s insurance. A 2016 survey by the Opinion Research Center determined that only 41% of renters carry insurance as compared to 95% of homeowners. Such a divide is surprising considering that accidents can happen at any moment, regardless of whether you own or rent, and they can be very expensive to cover out of pocket.
Let’s explore the common benefits and limitations of these types of insurance. [Read more…]
Should You Rent or Buy?
We’ve all heard the sentiment that you may as well be throwing money away if you’re renting a home, but is that really the case? The answer is that it depends on your specific situation: your needs, finances, and future plans! Home ownership can be beneficial under the right circumstances, but it’s not all sunshine and white-picket fences and while renting may be convenient, you are at the whim of a landlord. There are upsides and downsides to both options and you may find one appealing over the other at different stages in life. We’ll help you explore the factors to consider before deciding whether to rent or buy!
How to Protect Assets in a Divorce
It’s no secret that 2020 was a stressful year for many. With social outlets few and far between, relationships of all kinds were put to the test, especially for those living together. In some cases, the stress of social distancing, shut down measures, and financial concerns amongst the backdrop of a pandemic were simply too much to overcome. Divorce is on the rise around the world. While we hope that love lasts a lifetime, it’s important to consider how a divorce could affect your financial security and future as well as any dependents.
