If you're thinking about refinancing your mortgage, know that while there are great reasons to do so, there are almost as many equally bad reasons to do so. That said, it often always depends on your unique situation, spending habits and goals.
We’re months deep into the pandemic that has rocked the entire world. Unfortunately, there are those who would take advantage of this vulnerable time. Keep the following things in mind and protect yourself, your family and your financial well-being. Here are some of the pandemic scams to watch out for, and some general tips to protect yourself from financial scams in general.
If you're in a cash-flow pinch, you could be considering a "hardship withdrawal" from your retirement plan. Before you do, learn all of the facts, possible penalties and the rules with our quick guide.
When cash flow is tight, we may be tempted to push our credit limits up a bit higher or open new lines of credit all together. New York state benefits from certain consumer protections, but sometimes, nefarious "lenders" slip through the cracks, looking to prey on the vulnerable. With digital media making it very easy to seem like a legitimate company with a long history and all the "right" certifications, even the most savvy can fall victim to a scam. In fact, with so much of our financial life going virtual (with online banking, online buying, even online lending*) it's easier than ever to pull one over your eyes. But, don't worry. There are very clear warning signs that you can keep in mind when shopping around for loans, and we hope they'll help you.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) have different uses and qualifications, but the most considerable variation between them is based on who technically "owns" the account, you or your employer. Let's take a good look at the major differences between the FSA and HSA and what their qualifications are, respectively, in Part 1 of our series on savings accounts.
Thinking back to the first quarter of 2020 not only does it seem a lifetime ago but our world looked almost unrecognizable compared to today. In the first few weeks of Q2 we began to realize the extent that a once unknown virus in the countryside of China would have on the world at large.
