You’ve heard all the advice about what to do to prepare, but there’s more to it than that. Before you begin looking at homes and negotiating a contract, you should know about some moves that could significantly hurt your chance of getting that home loan. Here are three things not to do when a new home purchase or even a refinance is in your future.

If you’re like most people, your credit score is only fair. If you have not yet achieved a rating of good or better, read on for five practical, doable steps you can take to get there.

Do you struggle to come up with the cash to pay for your insurance premiums, taxes, or other periodic expenses? If so, you’re not alone. When you pay for something only once or twice a year, it’s more challenging to budget for it successfully. But a little planning can go a long way. Follow these three easy tips to make paying for periodic expenses easier.

Ready to buy your first home? Consider these four search priorities to find your first home faster.

Life insurance is more than just a way to pay the bills if something happens to you. Consider these five reasons to get life insurance.

If you’re ready for a new car, even if it’s just new to you, do your homework first. Here are three ways better research usually ends in better outcomes.

Are you still holding on to that checkbook? Times are changing. There are more benefits to online banking that you might realize. Here’s our top 10 list of reasons to go digital when it comes to banking.

Social security: It’s that thing we hear about — and pay into — our entire working careers. But what do you really know about social security? Here’s the 4-1-1 on this longstanding government program.

What is a money market account, and does one have a place in your financial plan? Find out if money markets can make sense, and cents, for you.

Many workers feel their earnings barely stretch to their next paycheck, but there are ways to make your income last longer.

Are you trying to decide between renting and buying? Consider these 10 personal and financial questions before you decide.

Students loans are a real concern for many graduates. Take advantage of these four tips for paying off your student loans quickly.

Have you mastered the skill of saving money? Consider these four tips for building up your savings.

Are you benefiting from technology beyond news and entertainment? Learn how you can use technology to improve your finances.

Who foots the bill for car repairs once your original vehicle warranty expires? Without an extended warranty, you will.

The world of investing can be overwhelming to those who are new to it. Consider these tips for getting started.

Are you in the market for a new car? Don’t underestimate the importance of your auto loan term.

Recent college graduates can take advantage of these three tips when they’re young, and be well on their way to establishing very strong personal finances from the start.