I write about personal finance, travel, and science. I specialize in credit, debt, and insurance topics but I enjoy writing in many other areas.
Figo Reviews: How It Stacks Up (2024)
Figo is a popular pet insurance company, especially among millennial pet parents. The founder launched the company in 2015, and today, it’s based out of Chicago. It offers a wide range of customizable policies and coverage options to people living in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.[1]
Quick Facts
Figo plan prices are about average among pet insurance companies.
Figo has no upper age limit for coverage, but prices will adjust yearly as your pet ages and vet care costs increas...
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Alexandria, Virginia (2024)
Alexandria residents pay a monthly average rate of $107 for liability-only coverage and $177 for full coverage, compared to the national averages of $103 and $210 for the same policy types.
Even with so many professionals working for the government in Alexandria and across the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the average cost of insurance is roughly similar to the country as a whole. Alexandria drivers tend to drive safely, have better credit, and be in their prime years for the best insura...
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Flagstaff, Arizona (2024)
Flagstaff drivers pay an overall average of $105 per month for car insurance, according to Insurify data. This is less than the national average of $156 per month and the state average of $143 per month.
Arizona has a relatively average rate of uninsured drivers, and Flagstaff has much fewer residents than other areas like Tucson or Phoenix, which can contribute to more affordable car insurance rates.[1] [2]
Here’s how to compare rates, insurers, and coverage to find the best car insurance co...
7 Best Credit Unions [2024]: Are They Better Than A Bank?
The best credit union available nationwide is First Tech Federal Credit Union, which features extra-high annual percentage yields (APYs) on its accounts. Depending on who you work for and what you're looking for, however, another credit union may be a better fit.
We’ve rounded up the top options for credit unions across a range of different factors to help you find the best banking partner.
What Is Car Storage Insurance?
Unlike traditional auto insurance, car storage insurance offers a product that allows you to protect vehicles that are not being driven currently. While some people don’t bother to insure cars that are stored or parked, laws mandate this coverage in many places. Not only that, but it still makes sense to protect your asset, even if you’re not out on the road.
After all, several things could happen to a vehicle, even in storage. Despite the best security, you could face the risk of theft or so...
What happens if you inherit a house with a lien?
Dealing with the recent passing of a loved one can be tough, but receiving an inheritance can be a blessing in a dark time. A 2023 New York Life survey showed that 15% of U.S. adults expect to receive an inheritance, with 43% expecting it to come in the form of their loved one’s home. Yet, nearly two-thirds of homes still have a mortgage on them, which means you may find yourself in the relatively common position of inheriting a house with a mortgage.
Luckily, you have several options for wha...
Mortgage refinance options: How to choose the right one
Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your mortgage. Your financial circumstances may change over time, especially over the many years or decades it takes to pay off a home. It’s not uncommon for your mortgage to fall out of sync with your financial goals and abilities over time, and when that happens, it may be time to consider your mortgage refinance options.
In addition, refinancing can help you cut free from burdensome mortgage insurance payments with some loans and take advantage of...
What is a DSCR loan?
Investing in rental real estate is a time-tested strategy that millions of Americans have used to build wealth over time. In order to earn rental income, however, you first have to buy a property, and that can be expensive. There are many ways to finance real estate investments, but an often overlooked strategy is a DSCR loan.
Lenders make underwriting decisions for a DSCR loan based on the income potential for your property, rather than your own personal income. If you're self-employed or ...
The top 5 home equity agreement companies
Home equity agreements can be a powerful addition to your financial toolkit. These agreements offer flexible funding with no monthly payments in exchange for a slice of your home equity further down the road. Given that homeowners are sitting on more equity than ever, you may want to investigate partnering with home equity agreement companies the next time you need to borrow money.
Equity sharing companies aren’t as abundant as, say, lenders offering HELOCs or home equity loans. That can ma...
Refinance vs loan modification: A guide to your options
Good things don’t always stay that way forever, and in the case of your mortgage, it’s common for your home loan to stray a bit from your financial goals and abilities over time. Luckily, homeowners often have many options at their disposal to help align their home loans with their wallets.
Two common solutions are replacing your existing loan with a new one (i.e. refinancing), or petitioning your lender to restructure your present loan (i.e., modifying your loan). Both of these options can...
HELOC vs. home equity loan: Which is right for you?
Tapping into home equity is a powerful tool that most homeowners can use to fund a better life, whether that’s sending children to college, crossing off much-needed repairs from to-do lists, or purchasing a second home.
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans are two of the most common ways to achieve these ends without replacing your entire mortgage, but they both work very differently and are more appropriate for distinct funding needs. In addition, it’s worth consideri...
Can I get a home equity loan on an investment property?
Successful real estate investors use a wide range of tools to deftly maneuver and seize new investment opportunities. One of those funding tools is home equity loans; although popular for homeowners for their primary properties, home equity loans can also be used by real estate investors. There is a trick to getting home equity loans on investment properties, but a savvy investor can use this tool to cover expenses and shortfalls – or even invest in purchasing additional homes. We’ll cover ho...
Can you get a home equity loan with no credit check?
When you need to borrow money, your home can be an attractive source of flexible and affordable funds. It can also be easier to get approved for a home equity loan compared to unsecured options like credit cards and personal loans.
Even so, it can be tough to get approved for a home equity loan if you have a very low credit score, credit challenges such as recent loan defaults or bankruptcies, or if you don’t have any credit at all. However, there are still options. We’ll cover some viable ...
Can you sell a house with a lien on it?
Selling your home can be a challenging and exciting time. While you’re considering a new home for the next chapter of your life, you’ll need to simultaneously negotiate a home sale with a buyer. In order to ensure a smooth transition, it’s best to ensure your home is free of any financial claims on your home in the form of a lien – but that’s not always possible.
Luckily, selling a house with a lien on it is a frequent occurrence. Mortgages are a common type of lien, after all, and these li...
Best Debt Relief Companies of February 2024
National Debt Relief is the best overall debt settlement company, according to our research. We looked at 40 different debt relief companies and rated them on important factors like fee structure, customer satisfaction ratings, services offered, and more. National Debt Relief's low-cost fee structure and referral service make it a top option for people with big debts.
Best Debt Relief Companies of February 2024
Best Overall for Debt Settlement, Best for Credit Card Debt, Best for Low Fees: Na...