Rear View Of Loving Couple Walking Towards House

What to Expect When Purchasing a Home

Rear View Of Loving Couple Walking Towards House

Mortgages & Home Buying 101

Owning a home is a dream for many people. It’s something they hope to accomplish at some point in their lives. Sure, it is a hard task that requires a lot of work, but with proper budgeting anyone can do it! Mortgages and home buying can be very confusing and scary but researching the steps will relieve some stress. Provided below are common questions and answers people have.

It takes how many years to save for a down payment on a home?

Unfortunately, saving for a down payment on a home can take a lot of hard work and planning. Using the following example, we can illustrate the process you can take to figure out how long you will need to budget for.

Assume you make $56,000 and save around 15% of your income each month. That’s around $8,400 a year. It would take about 5 years to build a 20% down payment for a $216,000 home.

Buying insurance on your loan will allow you to have a smaller down payment but might be offset with greater monthly payments. With proper planning and a bulletproof budget, owning a home can be easy and a great goal to look forward to!

What Should I Expect at Closing?

Once you’ve taken all of the steps in saving, getting a mortgage, and finding your dream home, it’s time to close! There are few things you should be prepared for.

  • Your lender will send you a closing disclosure that outlines the terms of your loan, final closing costs, and outstanding charges or fees.
  • Do a final walk-through of the property to make sure everything is as it should be. For example, make sure any repairs that were made are as expected and that you are happy with your future home.

What to Bring to Closing

  • You will sign many legal documents between you and your lender.
  • Pay attention to all of the costs and escrow items. A majority of the time, the buyer is required to bring funds in the form of a cashier’s check made out to the escrow company.

Present Parties

  • Closing agent
  • Attorney
  • Title company representative
  • Home seller and their real estate agent

Closing Documents

  • Loan estimate and Closing disclosure
  • Initial escrow statement
  • Mortgage note and Deed of Trust
  • Certificate of occupancy


Female holding car keys with car on background

Should I Buy a New or Used Car?

What to Consider When Buying a New or Used Car

 

Wouldn’t it be nice to just snap your fingers and have a new car show up in your driveway? Without this ability, you’re going to need to decide whether or not you want to purchase a new or used car. There are pros and cons to each, so developing a personal buying strategy is key.

 

Advantage of a New Car

It’s never been driven! You know the exact history of the car and know it will be reliable. That being said, you usually receive a warranty for the first few years. This is great because it’s less out of pocket expenses if something was to go wrong with the car. Generally, the first few years don’t see a lot of repairs other than maintenance, but it’s a great thing to have.

 

Disadvantage of a New Car

The second you drive that new car off the lot, the car will lose several thousands of dollars due to depreciation. It will be the most expensive two minutes of your life, so enjoy it. Depreciation has the biggest impact on your car during the first two to three years. This can be a little scary, especially if you’re in the hole with the auto loan. That’s why it’s very important to shop around for the best deals and rates so that you can get equity in your car fast. Buying GAP insurance is another way of protecting yourself when buying a new car.

 

Advantage of a New Car

New cars have the new car scent, fresh seating, and the latest technology. These things are important to many people, so deciding if you want to spend the extra money will be a decision you will have to make. An easy way to do this is to make a list of needs and wants. Once you figure out those two categories you can start looking for a perfect match.

 

Advantage of a Used Car

A used car has already taken the largest hit on depreciation, so you aren’t losing value right away. By not taking the large hit, you almost immediately have equity in the car. This is a huge bonus and will give you peace-of-mind. Provided below is an example of how this would be useful.

 

  • Sarah took a loan out for a new car totaling $20,000. The next week, she decides that she doesn’t like it anymore and wants to sell it. Since the car took a major depreciation hit when it left the lot, its value is now $17,000. In essence, she lost $3,000 in a week.

 

With a used car this hit is much less, and you get equity in the car much faster.

 

Disadvantage of a Used Car

Determining what condition the car is in can be a total shot in the dark. Since the car is new to you but used by someone else, the condition is unknown unless a maintenance check is done. Certified pre-owned vehicles have been tested and checked for imperfections, so you approximately know what condition the vehicle is in. With a new car, you know EXACTLY what condition it is in.

 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one size fits all answer when it comes to car shopping. When making a decision, you need to determine what you need, want and can AFFORD!


How to Use a Student Credit Card

When it comes to credit cards it’s very important to know key factors on how to use them correctly, especially as a student. If you don’t know how to properly use them, you could end up with a bad credit score or worse: end up in debt. To help prevent those scenarios, here are some tips you should know as a student.

You Choose Your Credit Card, not the Other Way Around

It’s important to not just apply for a credit card because you want a “free” new item, like a shirt or phone case. It’s important to research the company and see if the card you want is actually a good offer. Make sure to check for fees, interest rates and of course, compare it to other companies to see which offer is better and benefits you the most. Like stated in thebalance.com, the best credit cards for students to look for have no annual fees, low interest rates, and a low credit limit.

One Credit Card is Enough

As a student, you have a lot to pay for, especially when you think about your future. College includes having to pay for textbooks, food, rent, parking, and membership fees. Having just one credit card can help limit your spending. This will help you to not build up a ton of credit card debt. With one credit card, you can pay for most of those expenses and only focus on one card to pay off.

Control Your Spending

Don’t go over your credit limit! As a student, you might not focus on how much you spend, but it is very important to understand that getting too close to your credit limit makes it more difficult to pay it back in full at the end of each month. Also, know that credit bureaus do not like when you use more than 30% of your credit limit. To avoid overspending, keep track of the items you purchase and record them so you know if you are getting close to your limit.

Your Card, Your Money

Don’t let someone else use your card! When you apply for a credit card it’s for you to use, not anyone else. It’s your credit card, so it’s your responsibility. Allowing a friend or even a family member to borrow your credit card, even if they pay you back, is risky. Also, lending your credit card can cause you to get close to your credit limit because you don’t know how much they are planning to spend.

A Credit Card is Credit, not Debit

Credit cards and debit cards are two different things. Understanding that a credit card is not a debit card is important; don’t take cash out. This is known as a cash advance; credit card companies can charge from 2-5% cash advance fees and other fees due to the withdrawl. It’s important to stay away from cash advances and to read over the terms that go along with cash advances from your credit card company.

Credit cards have many uses, but it’s important to use them correctly. Keep these tips in mind once you receive your first credit card.


6 Tips on Saving Money this Summer

Summer is the perfect time to re-evaluate your saving’s plan. Here are a few tips on how to keep more cash in your pockets this summer:

A Budget = Your Best Friend

Creating a budget can really help you stay in control of your money. It allows you keep track of how much you are able to spend on certain items and it’s designed to make sure you avoid overspending. With a budget in place, you’ll stay within your means and pocket more savings. The goal of creating a budget though is to stick to it! Be committed to seeing it through to have success.

Look For Free Fun

Going out to have fun is necessary at times, but try to do it a bit less when you want to save extra cash. If you do want to get out of the house, there are a variety of free activities you can do out and about.  There are always free festivals or events going on in the city, you just have to look for them.

Deals Are Golden

During summer time, we all have our adventures planned. But finding deals through the variety of apps and sites available are crucial to having a good time for a low price. You’ll be able to have fun and do it guilt-free when you’ve got a good deal, discount or coupon in tow.

Make Your Own Food

Instead of going and spending $20 dollars a day, you can save more money by meal prepping weekly or making your food at home. You’ll be surprised how much money you can actually pocket if you don’t eat out! As an added bonus, you also become a better chef.

Know Needs From Wants

Try not to impulsive buy; think about whether you really need something or just want it. If you don’t really need it, then save it. The more willpower you have in suppressing each and every want that comes your way, the more in control of your finances you’ll be, and the more money you’ll have in your wallet.

The Big One: Give Your Money A Home!

What better way to save money than to open up a saving account?

At BrightStar Credit Union, we’ve got a variety of options when it comes to saving. See our saving’s options here.

Money comes and goes easily, so be intentional with your cash and what you’re doing with it to become a better saver. The goal for this summer? Have fun, but ball on a budget.


Clean your finances this spring

5 Ways to Clean Up Your Finances This Spring

Clean your finances this spring
When your finances are in check, it shows!

Spring is in the air, but your finances don’t have to be. With spring cleaning on the brain, now is the time to tidy up that closet and more importantly, your wallet.

Fortunately, recent pop culture has heightened the cleaning fix in all our minds. Recently, methods of cleaning up by category and keeping only those belongings that bring you happiness have become increasingly popular. While this method is great for optimizing your physical space, it can also be used with your finances as well.

Here are 5 ways to clean up your finances just in time for spring.

  1. Clean Out Expenses

Give your bank account a clean-out by evaluating any recurring subscriptions that are on auto-pay every month and you can probably do without. For instance, you may realize that you don’t need that 500-channel cable package or magazine subscription. Don’t worry, you can still keep your Netflix subscription, but look into a family account to split the costs. You may want to consider saving money with your Amazon Prime membership by waiting a few extra days for your packages. Not to mention, this can discourage you from buying things you don’t need.

  1. Create Financial Categories

Using this categorizing technique, organize your bank statements from the past few months by creating a category for each transaction. Some categories might include living expenses—such as your rent, car payment, and utilities—savings, and entertainment. Once you’ve created your categories, develop a filing system that works for you, whether it’s folders, an app or online. This will help you see where your money has been going and monitor your spending for the future.

  1. Sort Out Your Credit Score

Improving your credit score is an important step in cleaning up your finances if you want to borrow or make a big purchase in the future. Start by combing through your report to check for any inaccuracies that can be lowering your score. After you’ve created your financial categories from the previous step, keep track of your bill’s payment dates to avoid missing payments. One way you can do this is by setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders.

  1. Pay Off Your Debt

Your first instinct to dealing with debt may be to ignore it hoping it will disappear, but this will only worsen the situation. While you’re partaking in spring cleaning at your home and only keeping items that bring you happiness, set aside the pieces you no longer want and sell them in a garage sale. You can use the money you make to pay off some of your debt. Another way you can accumulate some extra cash is by turning a hobby into a side hustle. For example, if you like crafts, monetize your hobby by selling your works of art online or to family and friends.

  1. Set and Commit to Financial Goals

Outline your short-term and long-term financial goals and plan how much money you need to set aside each month to achieve them. For many people, their primary goal is to increase their savings. While there are many ways to do this, one of the most effective is budgeting. Set a spending limit and commit to saying “no” when you reach your limit. Most importantly, track and be proud of the progress you’ve made to boost your financial confidence and inspire you to keep going.

Regardless of your financial situation, using spring cleaning and organizational techniques in your finances can help you reach your goals and tidy up your finances.


Young Person with Credit Card

7 Tips for first-time credit card users

Young Person with Credit Card

Credit cards are a powerful financial tool. If you use them wisely, they will help you achieve your financial goals. But as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Abuse them and you will find yourself in a world of financial hurt.

If you recently got your first credit card, here are nine tips to help you use it in a smart, financially-sound way:

1. Read the fine print

Eye-catching promotional headlines can be very appealing. But look at the details. You’ll especially want to watch for things like high annual or late fees, or additional costs attached to using the card.

2. Pay the balance in full every month

Make sure you pay off your purchases at the end of every billing cycle. This way, you’ll avoid paying interest, which, if allowed to build, can dramatically increase the total cost of your debt.

3. Use it to build your credit

Remember when we said credit cards are a powerful tool? When you pay off your balances every month, you establish a positive credit history. You demonstrate to credit agencies that you can handle the responsibility of credit. This will become important when you want to buy a car, rent an apartment or even apply for a job.

4. Treat it like cash

If you don’t have the money now (or in the near future) to pay off the purchase, don’t put it on your card. You increase your risk of accruing interest and expanding what you owe (that’s how people get into debt).

5. Look for a good rewards program (but not at the expense of a high rate)

Cards for first-time users without much of a credit history may not have exceptional rewards, but it can’t hurt to look. You might be able to find decent cash-back or mileage offers.

6. Don’t share it with anyone

Credit cards are private. Don’t let anyone use it under any circumstances, even if it’s a good friend who needs to borrow money.

7. Always check your statements

Unfortunately, credit card fraud is a very real thing. Check your statements every month to make sure there aren’t any unrecognizable charges. If you see a purchase that you didn’t make, report it to the credit card company right away.


Budgeting Fun

How to Make Budgeting Fun with Your Family

Budgeting Fun
Make budgeting Fun with your family!

Setting spending limits and crunching numbers is not exactly a traditional recipe for family fun. But you can make budgeting fun by getting a little creative. Here is how:

Talk it through

Finances are a complicated subject. But it is important for your children to learn this very important skill early in life. In order to make budgeting fun for all, make it a game. Seat everyone at the table and talk about where the money goes.

Show them the money

Ideally, you should keep record of your finances in a tangible place. A specific folder in your computer or an organized excel sheet. But let’s be realistic, creating excel formulas is hardly fun for a child, let alone a fun activity for the family.

Our suggestion: Go old school!

Set out three containers, jars, banks or baskets. Mark one of the receptacles with the word save.  One with the wod spend and the final with the word share.

Use real money and coins to fill the containers each month so the whole family can see exactly how a budget works and where money needs to go. Folger recommends divvying up money according to set percentages. This is an especially beneficial method to help your tweens and teens balance their own allowances while earning real-life financial lessons.

Work toward family-fun goals

Budgets are designed to keep your present bills paid as well as plan for the future. If your family is only focusing on what they’re giving up or not getting, there’s no way your family budget will resemble anything but doom and gloom.

Instead, making budgeting fun by including goal that everyone can appreciate or look forward to using. Perhaps you can work toward a family-fun day at a local amusement park or even an extended getaway.

When planning for a vacation, Godfrey stresses the importance of involving everyone in the family on decisions from where to go and what to do to how money should be spent. A budget designed specifically for fun-in-the-sun or a first-time adventure is sure to keep your kids interested in your family’s financial planning.

Give back as a family

Teaching your kids to give back is an important, life-long lesson. Dedicating a portion of your finances will create a life lesson and a lot of fun memories.

With open communication and an eye on future fun, you and your family can make budgeting fun and support your financial goals.


3 Great Financial Skills for Young Adults

Great financial skills at a young age!

The real world is expensive, and if you are a young adult the lack financial aptitude will harm you later on in life. Being financially unaware will make you struggle not only fiscally, but emotionally as well. That’s why you need to acquire financial skills as you make your way through college, navigate your first job and learn to save for the years to come.

 College-bound

College is often the first time you will experience a real sense of freedom. Gone are the days of a traditional school schedule with parents and teachers standing over your shoulder to make sure you study, eat and complete your assignments.

College may also be the first time you are faced with managing your own money to cover bills, school expenses and inevitable loan payments. To help keep you from failing Personal Finance 101, we recommend establishing a budget.

Record income from sources such as part-time job, student loans, money from parents, grants, savings accounts and scholarships.

Then record expenses: things such as books, tuition, rent, clothes, entertainment, college fees, supplies, personal care items and transportation costs. By tracking the first two months of spending, you will earn an accurate baseline of necessary and unnecessary spending and where’s there’s room in the budget for saving.

 On the job

The thought of saving for retirement after securing the first job out of college may seem ludicrous.

After all, you still need to pay off college loans,  rent, car payments and insurance fees.

However, saving for the future as soon as possible and investing in employer-matching retirement programs with the max amount possible are smart financial moves, according to The Balance writer Miriam Caldwell.

Remember the budget you used in college?

Now is the time to update if for the real world. Tracking your income, expenses and spending is the only way to gain control of your finances. As you progress in your career, your financial health should become more robust.

Be sure to consistently evaluate and re-evaluate your budget, plans for the future and investment options.

Credit cards are convenient, and sometimes the only resource you have to get through stressful financial times. But, they come at a high price. Sinking into credit card debt happens quickly and before you know it, you’re over your head in fees and balances you can’t clear.

To help you stay afloat, forgo any dependence on plastic.

 In case of emergency

Life will throw you expensive curveballs, and without an emergency fund, your financial health will take on serious damage.

According to Investopedia writer Amy Fontinelle, any amount you can save each month in a money market account, certificate of deposit or online savings account will do wonders in establishing your financial safety net.

Be sure the account you choose earns high-interest rates, too.

By adopting smart money habits, like budgeting, you’ll create a lucrative and secure future.


Raise Capital for your startup!

4 Ways to Raise Capital for Your Business

Raise Capital for your startup!
Raising Business Capital is Important!

Very few people know how to raise capital for their business, especially if it is their first startup. Though a necessary part of the process, investing your own money may not be enough. How can you raise capital for your business, and where can you get it?

1. Create a solid plan

Your business won’t be successful without a solid plan in place. Without one, you won’t be able to secure capital to get on your feet.

“Every successful business transaction starts with a carefully developed plan,” Jeffrey Hayzlett writes in a September 2017 article for Entrepreneur.

Hayzlett says that a good plan should identify the problem your business is trying to solve. It highlights the unique features that make your service or product stand out. Use these to build a short pitch. You should identify future milestones and then estimate how much capital you will need to meet them.

Without a solid plan, potential investors won’t have any reason to believe they can trust you and your business with their funding.

2. Friends and family

Borrowing money from friends or family is one of the most common ways to raise capital for a new small business. However, many investors shy away from it. After all, the potential cost of failure isn’t just financial; it’s personal. The key is to present your pitch professionally and treat your friends and family like real investors. This will make things go more smoothly if you are turned down.

On the upside, that personal relationship can take you further than you could go with an unfamiliar investor.

3. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is an increasingly popular way for small businesses to raise capital money to get started. Websites like Kickstarter and GoFundMe let you solicit funds through online campaigns. In return for their money, donors receive services or products related to the project you are trying to launch. The value of which is based on the amount donated.

4.  Angel investors

Angel investors are individuals with deep pockets who will invest in your startup in exchange for a higher rate of return than traditional investors.

Companies like Google and Yahoo, received help from angel investors in their early stages. “The big advantage is that financing from angel investment is much less risky than debt financing,” Susan Ward writes in an October 2018 article for TheBalance’s Small Business. “And, most angel investors understand business and take a long-term view.” You can find angel investors on websites like New York Angel and Angel List.

These are some of the ways you can raise capital for your business. Others include credit card loans, personal business loans, SBA loans and microloans from nonprofits. Talk with a professional to explore all of your options.


7 Money Saving Tips You Must Know Before Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and before you get together and celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other, remember it is saving, not spending what helps you create a future as a couple.

If you struggle with saving, or want to save even more than you do already, here are seven strategies worth implementing.

30-day rule

According to The Simple Dollar contributor Trent Hamm, one of the simplest ways to avoid impulse purchases is to apply the 30-day rule. As it implies, this rule involves waiting a period of 30 days to decide on whether or not to make a purchase. Observing this rule each month is a great way to build a long-term habit of making delayed purchasing decisions.

Stick to your shopping lists

Whether you’re grocery shopping or clothes shopping, an easy way to avoid unplanned purchases is to make a list, as Hamm advises. Make sure to stick to the list and turn a blind eye to anything not on it.

As a result, this list will help you buy only the food and clothing you need, rather than splurging on junk food that you might not eat or trendy apparel that you might only wear a few times.

Have a night in

While having a night out with your partner or friends for Valentines or any occasion can be refreshing, it can be a pricey habit.

With that in mind, Hamm recommends limiting evening outings by opting for alternative entertainment and food at home. Try having a game or trivia night, or an appetizer potluck, with friends the next time you crave a get-together.

Pay down your debts

School loans and credit cards can have high interest rates that add up over time. Kimberly Palmer, contributor with U.S. News & World Report, advises to pay down your debts as soon as possible to maximize savings.

If you’re not sure where to start, begin with the loans or accounts that have the highest interest rates.

Take advantage of Money Market Accounts and Certificate of Deposits 

An excellent way to grow your long-term savings is opening a Money Market Account or a Certificate of Deposit. These accounts grow at a set rate without the risk of a crashing stock market.

If you own a business, this is the perfect way to save for your taxes. Money Market accounts are liquid, giving you more access to your money.

Use automatic deposits

Put modern banking methods to use by setting up automatic deposits into your savings account, each time you get a paycheck.

Per Former Balance writer Joshua Kennon, it’s an easy way to stay on track with your saving goals.

It’s also a good idea to have the savings account with a separate financial institution than your checking account, as Michele Lerner with Money Crashers recommends. That way, it’s a bit harder to access the funds for non-essential items, the next time you feel like making an impulse buy.

Make your own meals

Frequently eating out can take a toll on your savings. Palmer recommends cooking your own meals regularly, to reduce monthly food costs. She also suggests implementing budget-friendly dishes — like soup and pasta — into your meal plan, to save even more money.

By applying these seven tips, you’re well on your way to a more lucrative new year — and building healthier financial habits that will pay off in the years to come.