- Can You Get a Mortgage If You’re Unemployed?
Going from renting to buying is a high priority for many Americans. We’ve all been taught that homeownership is a key piece of the American dream. But if you’re between jobs, is homeownership out of reach? Let’s take a closer… read more…
- How to Make Extra Mortgage Payments
By consistently paying your mortgage bill on time, you’re showing your lender that you’re a responsible borrower. That may be obvious, but what’s often overlooked is the art of making extra mortgage payments. Paying more than you’re required to can… read more…
- 13 Things to Know Before Moving to Pittsburgh
Thinking of moving to Pittsburgh? You’re part of a rare breed. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported in March 2016 that, per U.S. Census Bureau data, “among the nation’s 30 largest metropolitan areas, Pittsburgh is the only one deemed to have fewer people on July 1, 2015, than were counted during the official 2010 census.” Translation? Pittsburgh… read more…
- The Best Cities for Foodies
Some people eat just to live. For others, colloquially known as foodies, eating is the reason to live. Foodies’ lives are enriched by the act of eating great food. Some love to cook gourmet meals, while others like to go to sit-down restaurants and have gourmet meals prepared for them. For others still it’s the ingredients that are… read more…
- The Most Affordable Beach Towns in 2017
Vacation home prices have skyrocketed in recent years, causing home sales to fall. According to a report from the National Association of Realtors, vacation home sales declined by 18.5% between 2014 and 2015. Buying a second home by the beach has become impossible for many Americans, including millennials and others who can barely afford to… read more…
- The Cost of Living in Pittsburgh
The Steel City is known for its industrial history and its scrappy charm. Pittsburgh has also become popular due to its affordability for young creatives priced out of other cities, which has continued post-pandemic. Pennsylvania has relatively low state income… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Michigan
Thinking of moving to Michigan? With a population of just under 10 million, the Great Lakes State has a lot to offer, from affordable housing to stunning landscapes. The state’s economy has had its ups and downs, sure, but the… read more…
- Best Cities for Coffee Fanatics – 2017 Edition
Coffee is the lifeblood for many Americans. It is not uncommon to hear people say they can’t start the day without that first cup of joe. However much like beer, a unique culture around coffee is growing across America. Take Starbucks for example, there’s one on every corner, but today’s coffee snobs spurn the global icon in… read more…
- Where Are Millennials Buying Homes? – 2017 Edition
Homeownership rates are on the decline for all age groups across the country, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows. This trend is particularly pronounced for millennials, whose homeownership rates dropped from 42% in 2006 to 35% in 2015. With house prices back on the rise, sky-high rents and student loan debt, it’s not surprising that… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to New Mexico
New Mexico has attracted residents drawn to its beautiful landscape and weather. If you’re thinking of moving to New Mexico, there are some tips that can help you prepare for the transition. Check out our list of 15 things to… read more…
- When Can Homebuyers Sue Their Home Inspectors?
Getting an inspection is one of the most important steps of the home-buying process. The inspection is designed to assure homebuyers that a property has no major defects or issues that could delay a home sale. Problems can arise, however,… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Minnesota
With a population of around 5.71 million, Minnesota is famous for the high quality of life it offers. Thinking of moving to Minnesota? You don’t have to settle in the Twin Cities or the surrounding suburbs. You can opt for… read more…
- SmartAsset’s Best Cities of 2016
SmartAsset looked at America through a number of personal finance lenses over the past year. We crunched data to find the best cities to get out of debt and the cities where homeowners save the most on taxes. We did analyses where finance was only part of the equation, like the most affordable beach towns in… read more…
- The Best Cities for Beer Drinkers – 2016 Edition
Beer brewing is experiencing something of a renaissance at the moment. Since 2000 the number of breweries in America has tripled, data from the Brewers Association shows. This growth in breweries is great news for beer drinkers across the country no matter where they live. But whether it comes to prices, variety or availability, some… read more…
- The Best Time to Buy a House
Buying a home isn’t something you should do on a whim. After all, homebuyers have to make a lot of decisions. Besides choosing a location and deciding how much you’re willing to pay, you’ll need to think about when you… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Wyoming
Thinking of moving to Wyoming? There are plenty of reasons a person might be drawn to visit or move to (and potentially buy a home in) the Equality State. For many, the state’s natural beauty is the main attraction. Some of the country’s most beloved national parks are located in Wyoming, and the state’s residents… read more…
- The Most Fitness-Friendly Places for 2017
There’s no getting around the fact that Americans as a whole could be in better shape. More than two in three American adults are considered overweight or obese, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. But getting in shape is not easy. Fast food tempts the would-be dieter, gyms are often… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Idaho
Idaho’s state nickname is the Gem State, and once you’ve seen Idaho you’ll realize how apt that name really is. Yes, there are gemstones and other natural resources, but a lot of Idahoans would say that the real gem in Idaho is the landscape. But even if you’re not a nature lover, you might still… read more…
- The Top 10 Boomtowns of 2016
The U.S. economy isn’t exactly booming. While the unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level since 2007, the economy is still growing at a relatively slow pace. Some places, however, are better off than others. For the third year in a row, SmartAsset took a look at the places experiencing rapid population and economic… read more…
- The Most Entrepreneurial Small and Mid-Size Metros
Of all American values, entrepreneurship is one of the most revered. Many Americans dream of the day they can take out a loan, build their own business and make it on their own. Big metro areas like San Francisco and New York get most of the attention when it comes to entrepreneurship but there are… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Utah
Thinking of moving to Utah? We don’t blame you. The state is known for its high quality of life, low crime and beautiful landscape. Utah is more affordable than neighboring state Colorado but offers similar climate and access to stunning mountains. Here are 15 things to know before moving to Utah. A financial advisor can… read more…
- The Best Cities for Millennials
Millennials are now the largest generation in the country, having passed Baby Boomers sometime in the past year. There are no shortage of stereotypes used to describe millennials (defined as those ages 18-34 in 2015). Millennials have been called lazy, entitled and narcissistic. But in reality, many millennials don’t have it easy. The generation faces an… read more…
- The Cost of Living in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and has a population that’s growing quickly. According to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, the area’s population is expected to grow by 50% by 2050. Of course, any time there’s population growth,… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Vermont
Intrigued by the Green Mountain State? Thinking of moving to Vermont? Vermont has experienced slow population growth in recent years, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth putting on your list of potential destinations, or even potential places to settle… read more…
- What Is Landlord Insurance?
Say you own an investment property that you rent out to tenants. You probably want some form of insurance coverage for your property. Landlord insurance rolls multiple forms of coverage into one policy. It covers things like property damage, rent… read more…