9 Questions To Answer Before You Prepay Your Home Mortgage

10 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid When Applying For a Home Mortgage
Written by: Frank Oakerson | Distributed: 2006-07-12 | Word Count: 818 | Page Views: 826 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.60
Applying for a home mortgage goes well beyond filling out a few forms and awaiting approval for a conventional or jumbo loan. There are mistakes you must avoid when applying for a home mortgage and any one of the ten listed can wreak much havoc, even scuttle the loan. Let's take a look at potential mistakes and how you must avoid them to ensure that your mortgage is approved without a hitch.

The 10 Biggest Mistakes In Home Mortgage Refinancing
Written by: Frank Oakerson | Distributed: 2006-06-23 | Word Count: 775 | Page Views: 1021 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.31
If you have owned a home for some time, then likely you have considered refinancing your home mortgage in order to get a better rate on your loan. This decision can be a wise one, especially if your current rate is high and the new loan rate is lower. Not all refinancing decisions are wise, so here is what you should look for to help you avoid the ten biggest mistakes in home mortgage refinancing:

6 Ways To Buy A Home Without A Down Payment
Written by: Frank Oakerson | Distributed: 2006-06-14 | Word Count: 788 | Page Views: 1147 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.53
Entering the housing market for the first time can be an elusive dream for so many would be homeowners. Down payments, closing costs, attorney fees, and so much more can thwart even the average buyer. If you have credit problems, little or no savings, or a low income, purchasing a home may be out of the question. On the other hand, there are programs available for buyers to help them purchase their first home.

How To Beat Your Competition In Buying Your Dream Home
Written by: Frank Oakerson | Distributed: 2006-06-02 | Word Count: 784 | Page Views: 960 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.60
While visiting one of your favorite Texas neighborhoods you come across a lovely colonial that has just been put on the market. You love it! Quickly, you make an offer fully expecting that the owner will accept it. However, there is a problem -- a big one -- that will scuttle your purchase because you confused an important issue: pre-qualified vs. pre-approved for a home mortgage.

All of Author's Articles on this site: Frank Oakerson Articles

Do You Know the Difference Between an Investment Advisor and a Broker?
Written by: Tome Tomaj | Distributed: 2010-03-11 | Word Count: 408 | Page Views: 112 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 4.50
As an fee-only investment advisor I come across clients from all walks of life. Lately I have noticed something in common with many of these investors. Many do not know the difference between an investment advisor and a broker who manages and/or makes securities recommendations for their clients' investment portfolios. With the almost unprecedented volatility in the securities markets, you cannot afford to dig your head in the sand when it comes to whom is managing your assets.

Understanding Term Life Insurance and Getting Quotes
Written by: Brian Greenberg | Distributed: 2010-01-13 | Word Count: 520 | Page Views: 108 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 2.00
Buying term life insurance can be a scary process but understanding the different types of life insurance can remove the fear. What you should know about term life and how requesting life insurance quotes online can be easy and very convenient.

The Decline in the Personal Savings Rate - What Happened to the Discipline?
Written by: Tome Tomaj | Distributed: 2009-12-15 | Word Count: 873 | Page Views: 144 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 2.00
As more and more American baby boomers are nearing and entering their retirement years, many of them are concerned about whether their retirement savings will last them long enough to ensure their current quality of life, and rightly so.

What My Mother Taught Me About Credit Cards And Family Finances
Written by: Braxton Heitz | Distributed: 2009-12-01 | Word Count: 1285 | Page Views: 802 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 2.74
My mother is an amazing woman. She made some of the hardest jobs imaginable look easy. No matter how hard her day was, she always had a smile and perfect hair.

Student Credit Cards Can Help Lay The Foundation For Prosperous Adult Living
Written by: Braxton Heitz | Distributed: 2009-11-24 | Word Count: 948 | Page Views: 735 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.82
Credit is one of the most fundamental aspects of the financial structure we have built our society. In fact, a great credit score can be one of the most valuable assets an individual will ever have in his or her life.

Credit Card Companies Reward Consumers Who Shop Around
Written by: Braxton Heitz | Distributed: 2009-11-03 | Word Count: 1159 | Page Views: 824 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.50
With Ronald Reagan came mass deregulation in many industries. One of the industries that benefited from deregulation was the financial industry. As a result, hundreds of new financial companies were introduced to the American consumer during the 1980's. With the sudden explosion of new competitors in this industry, credit card companies began to struggle with how to retain existing customers and to recruit new customers.

The Effect of Inflation and Deflation on Retirees
Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2009-10-27 | Word Count: 1324 | Page Views: 215 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 0.00
When we worry about how long our retirement income will last, we consider so many factors. The current economy is causing a drain on 401(k)'s and IRA's. So we have become much more cautious about withdrawing money to use it as part of our pensions.

Learn About Short Term Insurance
Written by: Tom Lustina | Distributed: 2009-10-15 | Word Count: 337 | Page Views: 171 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 1.00
This is by no means an extensive lesson about short term insurance, but it is a good start. Since most policies are temporary, coverage is relatively cheap.

Hedge Your Bets With Job Loss Protection Insurance
Written by: Kyle Fitzsimmons | Distributed: 2009-08-28 | Word Count: 372 | Page Views: 354 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.89
Even if you believe your job to be secure in the current economic downturn, you should learn about Job Loss Protection Insurance, just in case your "secure job" gets eliminated. You should also understand what your Job Loss Protection Insurance policy will actually do for you. The time to learn what your insurance policy does and does not cover is NOT when you have lost your job and your agent tells you that your policy does not cover "that".

Easy Tips To Reduce Your Cost Of Living And Survive Recession
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-07-14 | Word Count: 505 | Page Views: 278 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.46
Recession is a period of general economic decline and we need to prepare for it. Surviving the recession is much easier when you are prepared for it. Here are some tips for surviving the current economic crisis.

Using a 401K Loan to Stop Foreclosure
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-02-11 | Word Count: 465 | Page Views: 2768 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.00
A bankruptcy or foreclosure can cripple one's ability to obtain decent credit for many years. In addition, some employers and landlords won't hire or rent to a candidate with terrible credit history. Thus, it is a good idea to discuss all options with a financial planner before ending in bankruptcy or foreclosure.

Identity Theft: The New Threat to Your Credit
Written by: Josh Pike | Distributed: 2006-08-24 | Word Count: 363 | Page Views: 1906 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 4.00
When we think of thieves, images of burglars creeping into homes and apartments come to mind. However, there are new thieves that can take much more than your money or possessions. If your personal information falls into the hands of an identity thief, your credit and finances can be ruined.

Why Over 3,000 US Companies Have Chosen the Frankfurt Stock Exchange to Go Public
Written by: Ron Crowe | Distributed: 2008-07-31 | Word Count: 786 | Page Views: 1798 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.33
The Frankfurt Stock Exchange, one of the world's largest trading centers for securities, has over 3,000 United States companies listed. North American and other foreign companies are choosing Europe, over the United States, to go public because of the punishing Sarbanes Oxley Act introduced in the United States in 2002.

Making Money With Your 1st Or 50th Website Using Google Adsense
Written by: Clinton Douglas IV | Distributed: 2007-12-06 | Word Count: 1721 | Page Views: 1444 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.70
If you are just starting online with your first website, you have quite a learning curve in front of you. I know that your learning curve is still long, because I have been making money online for years, and I am still learning new stuff everyday

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Why Your Broker May Not Be Recommending The Most Competitive Annuity
Written by: Tom Hamlin | Distributed: 2006-05-12 | Word Count: 1036 | Page Views: 1284 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 3.00
There are over two thousand life insurance companies offering over fifteen thousand different annuities, and they run the gamut from horrific (I wouldn't offer it to an enemy) to outstanding...

How Foreclosures Work and Steps You Can Take To Avoid Foreclosure
Written by: Jeff Spellman | Distributed: 2006-12-21 | Word Count: 1232 | Page Views: 1247 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.50
A lender provides you with a mortgage and the home is considered to be collateral until you pay off the mortgage in full and with interest. If you stop making payments on your mortgage, the lender has the legal right to foreclose and take possession of your home in order to recoup the money that they originally loaned you.

Section 179 - 4th Qtr Tax Saving Strategy for Small Business
Written by: Sean Marten | Distributed: 2007-12-05 | Word Count: 345 | Page Views: 1211 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.33
Use the power of available deductions to boost your business's bottom line in 2007. Purchase new or "new to you" used business equipment now. Then place it in service by December 31st to realize exceptional tax savings.

Protecting Assets from Nursing Home Costs
Written by: Rocco Beatrice | Distributed: 2007-01-24 | Word Count: 470 | Page Views: 1176 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 2.29
About protecting senior/elder assets before entering nursing home. Planning for your retirement by reducing your nursing home costs has to be done early and definitively 5 years before you plan to get sick. If offering is a taxable gift then taxes are paid on the gift by the transferor; oppositely, the receiver obtains the gift tax-free.

6 Ways To Buy A Home Without A Down Payment
Written by: Frank Oakerson | Distributed: 2006-06-14 | Word Count: 788 | Page Views: 1147 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.53
Entering the housing market for the first time can be an elusive dream for so many would be homeowners. Down payments, closing costs, attorney fees, and so much more can thwart even the average buyer. If you have credit problems, little or no savings, or a low income, purchasing a home may be out of the question. On the other hand, there are programs available for buyers to help them purchase their first home.

Tax Free Retirement Income with the Roth IRA and Roth 401(k)
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2006-09-26 | Word Count: 435 | Page Views: 1058 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.56
Under this year's new tax rules it's possible to have a Roth 401(k) in addition to a Roth IRA for Tax Free Retirement Income.

Identity Theft: The New Threat to Your Credit
Written by: Josh Pike | Distributed: 2006-08-24 | Word Count: 363 | Page Views: 1906 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 4.00
When we think of thieves, images of burglars creeping into homes and apartments come to mind. However, there are new thieves that can take much more than your money or possessions. If your personal information falls into the hands of an identity thief, your credit and finances can be ruined.

In Fear of Retirement
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-05-08 | Word Count: 646 | Page Views: 590 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.86
Many baby boomers are staring at retirement like a deer caught on oncoming headlights. They are not sure what to do or what else to do. They fear that whatever they have in savings just might not be enough. Less than 1 out of 5 workers felt very confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement, according to the April 2008, EBRI Retirement Confidence Survey. And with good reasons, inflation is zooming at the same time that asset values are flagging.

A Recipe for Good Credit
Written by: Josh Pike | Distributed: 2006-08-17 | Word Count: 369 | Page Views: 731 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.57
If your credit is not as good as you want it to be, take action now! It's easier than you think to improve your credit.

Why Should I Invest In Mutual Funds?
Written by: Eric Krammer | Distributed: 2008-01-29 | Word Count: 470 | Page Views: 710 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.50
Hoping that the lottery will make you rich is as unreasonable. However, mutual funds have proven that they are a good investment tool that has been successfully used by many, which has resulted in accumulation of a real fortune.

Reverse Mortgage Costs Are Not Too High
Written by: N. Sioris | Distributed: 2008-07-29 | Word Count: 1120 | Page Views: 421 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.50
Reverse mortgage costs are repeatedly cited as one of the main reasons for seniors not to get a reverse mortgage loan. However, the same folks that harp on costs as being a reason not to use this financial resource rarely offer a less expensive option or an alternate proposal. Don't fall into the trap of listening to the negative hype without doing your own research. Find out what the true costs are and whether they are justified or not. Compare the cost of a reverse mortgage to the cost of selling your home, downsizing or moving into assisted living. Pull back the curtain and take a good look, then make your own determination. Don't base your decision on an uninformed friend, relative or media reporter.

Taking Advantage of the Stock Market
Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2009-07-09 | Word Count: 738 | Page Views: 262 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.50
Is the market rebounding? The Dow, leveling out each week because it gets a rise in the market one day and a pullback the next day, comes from investors' taking their profits. This will probably continue for a year or so until the really large investors such as Hedge Fund Managers, Institutional Investors like Mutual Fund and 401(k) managers start purchasing the really great stocks at lower prices for the longer term. You may have questions... This article will show you how you can take advantage of the current stock market conditions...

Medicaid Asset Protection
Written by: Rocco Beatrice | Distributed: 2007-01-23 | Word Count: 646 | Page Views: 658 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.43
Learn how to include senior Medicaid asset protection as part of your senior tax planning strategies. What are the tax implications of Medicaid and why it needs to be planned carefully? About seniors Medicaid asset protection as part of the senior tax planning strategies. Explains the new 5-year look back provisions for seniors to qualify for Medicare assistance into nursing home program.

The Joy of Being Debt-Free
Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2009-04-16 | Word Count: 429 | Page Views: 400 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.43
Being debt-free! What would that mean for your life? It could mean the difference between a good retirement and a great retirement leading to more freedom to have the things you want.

How to Invest in a Rough Economy: Investment Advice from the Experts
Written by: Sarah Simmons | Distributed: 2009-07-08 | Word Count: 692 | Page Views: 291 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.38
The stock market crash of 2008 lost many investors a lot of money, and had many other investors bailing out of stocks for the safety of savings and checking accounts, treasury bills and gold. However, it is still possible to invest - and yes, even make money - during the current rocky economy.

Section 179 - 4th Qtr Tax Saving Strategy for Small Business
Written by: Sean Marten | Distributed: 2007-12-05 | Word Count: 345 | Page Views: 1211 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.33
Use the power of available deductions to boost your business's bottom line in 2007. Purchase new or "new to you" used business equipment now. Then place it in service by December 31st to realize exceptional tax savings.