Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is an insurance policy your lender might require you to pay if your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. PMI typically costs anywhere from 0.58% to 1.68% of the original loan amount, depending on factors like your credit score, your loan term, and how much money you put down. It’s not a one-time thing — in fact, it sticks around until you’ve paid down your loan enough to reach 20% equity in your home. Read More.

What Are Closing Costs, and How Much Should I Expect?
Closing costs are the various fees and charges you pay when you officially “close” on your home — i.e., when the keys to the front door finally make it into your pocket. These costs are in addition to your down payment and are typically due at the time of closing. Read More.

So, you’re ready to buy a home — congrats! This is a big step, and no doubt you’ve already typed “How much house can I afford?” into Google at least once (or, let’s be honest, about 47 times). But before you start scrolling Zillow at midnight or falling in love with quartz countertops you might not be able to swing, let’s take a deep breath and get real for a moment. Read More.

Many first-time investors want to know: Do I have to pay taxes on the money I earn from stocks? The short answer is usually yes —  but how much and when depends on how you’re making money from your investments. Understanding the tax implications of investing can help you make smarter decisions and potentially lower the amount you owe. Read More.

At first , investing may seem inaccessible and confusing — especially for beginners. But it’s a fairly simple concept. Here’s the gist: Investors buy a piece of a company or lend money to a company (or to the government) in the hopes of making more money. The amount of money you make depends a number of factors including on how well the company does. Learn More.

If someone sends you money and asks you to send it to someone else, STOP. You could be a money mule, someone who criminals use to transfer and launder illegally acquired money. Criminals might try to recruit you through online job ads, social media, enticing investment opportunities, prize offers or dating websites. If you participate in the scam, you could lose a lot of money or end up with an overdrawn account. You could also get into legal trouble as an accomplice to a crime. Read More.

How much should you be saving vs. investing? It’s a tough question — but a common one. Income is a limited resource, which means we don’t live in a world where it’s possible to max out every financial goal we have. We’re juggling rent or a mortgage, debt payments, child care costs, and a grocery bill that seems to get larger every month. Which means, the real question is: How do you strike the right balance between saving and investing — for today and for your future? Read More.

When it comes to planning for retirement, one thing is clear: investing wisely is just as important as saving diligently. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, the best retirement investing strategies have a few things in common — they’re intentional, tax-efficient, and tailored to your personal timeline and goals. LEARN MORE.

It’s smart to start thinking about your child’s future education now. Just like preparing to buy a car or a house, saving early can help alleviate some of the financial stress when the first tuition bill shows up. And a 529 plan is the way to go. Here’s a rundown. Read More.

When we talk about “tax advantages” in the context of retirement accounts, we’re essentially talking about ways you can reduce how much you have to pay the IRS, either now or in the future. Different retirement accounts offer different types of tax benefits, and knowing how to use them can mean more money in your pocket over the long run. Read More.