Learn about different types of loans, such as personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Learn about interest rates, loan terms, credit scores, and the loan application process. Make informed decisions when borrowing money.
As the American economy continues to evolve, one constant remains: credit card debt is an ever-present weight on the financial well-being of millions. Recent statistics paint a grim picture. According to the Federal Reserve, the total credit card debt in the United States surpassed $1 trillion in 2020. The average interest rate? A staggering 16.28%, … Read more
As the landscape of higher education funding grows increasingly complex, parents and guardians are faced with myriad decisions. One particularly daunting question that’s surfaced in recent times is whether or not to let young adults manage their own college funds. Trusting a teenager or young adult with what might be a significant amount of money … Read more
Dear Anika, I’ve accumulated over $20,000 in student loans throughout my education. Currently, I’m only making the minimum monthly payment on them. Given your expertise in personal finance and wealth management, do you think this approach is wise? What are the pros and cons of only paying the minimum versus trying to pay them off … Read more
From the bustling street markets of Bangladesh to the vibrant farming communities in Uganda, people around the world are harnessing the power of collective financial resilience to transform their lives. They are participants in an empowering movement known as microfinance, which is redefining economic landscapes, stimulating entrepreneurship, and fostering shared prosperity. At the intersection of … Read more
Are you staring down the barrel of hefty student loans while also eyeing the potentially lucrative horizon of 401(k) investments? If you’ve just landed a new job, congratulations! But, with that comes a new financial dilemma. The good news is, you’re not alone in this predicament. Many young professionals grapple with the decision to prioritize … Read more
For many student loan borrowers, income-driven repayment (IDR) plans are often seen as a lifeline, providing a lower student loan payment with the promise of loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years. These plans, backed by the Department of Education, present an attractive proposition for those burdened with hefty student loan debt. However, a deeper … Read more
The Timeless Tale of Students Begging Parents for Cash Oh, the tales we hear of university students surviving on ramen noodles and dreams of graduation. From the sounds of it, you’d think it’s a modern-day crisis, born from our economic climate, a symptom of skyrocketing tuition fees and stagnant wages. Well, dear readers, buckle up … Read more
In an increasingly digital age, credit has become a cornerstone of financial independence. Yet, its intricacies often remain a mystery to many – especially the younger generation, Gen Z, who are at the beginning of their financial journey. As they step into adulthood, understanding credit, its management, and its implications on future financial opportunities becomes … Read more
The Gen Z cohort is coming of age and stepping into the realm of higher education, and for many, this means encountering the complex world of student loans. With the total U.S. student loan debt exceeding $1.7 trillion, it’s clear that student loans are a significant part of many individuals’ financial lives. Therefore, it is … Read more
Student loans – a term that resonates with the majority of young individuals seeking to better their futures through education. However, with tuition fees escalating year after year, a significant number of students find themselves in a financial quagmire. This article delves into how student loan debt is affecting the financial future of individuals and … Read more
As a wave of concern sweeps across the United States, the Supreme Court has nullified the student debt cancellation of up to $20,000, as proposed by President Joe Biden last year. This ruling affects around 40 million borrowers who had benefitted from the payment pause during the pandemic. With repayments set to recommence in October, … Read more
Starting a business is an exciting endeavor, but finding the financial help to turn your dream into a reality can be a daunting task. This article will guide you through different sources of financing, how to determine how much money you need, and the trade-offs involved in different types of financing. Assessing Your Financial Needs … Read more
Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. While it’s natural to dream about a perfect home, it’s essential to have a realistic understanding of how much house you can truly afford. Overspending on a house can lead to financial stress and potential foreclosure down the line. But how … Read more
It’s no secret that owning a home can be one of the most significant investments of your life. As with any investment, it’s always wise to revisit your mortgage terms periodically to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. This is where refinancing your mortgage comes in. What is Refinancing? Refinancing your mortgage involves replacing … Read more
Entering the world of home ownership is a significant milestone, often seen as the quintessential mark of adulthood and financial stability. However, the journey can be complex and daunting, especially for first-time homebuyers navigating the labyrinthine process of obtaining a mortgage. This article aims to demystify the process, providing a comprehensive guide to help you … Read more
Obtaining a loan with bad or no credit history can feel like an uphill battle. Traditional lenders tend to view credit history as a critical factor in determining an individual’s loan eligibility. However, don’t be discouraged if your credit score is far from perfect or if you haven’t had the chance to build one at … Read more
Hello, my dear readers! It’s your friendly neighbourhood finance guru, Sofi Abdurahman, back with another exciting topic to break down for you. Today, we’re tackling something that’s a key part of many of our financial journeys – mortgages. Now, don’t let that word scare you. Yes, mortgages involve lots of numbers and terms that might … Read more